Jitterbug Flip2 Phone Review
With each year, cell phones seem to become more advanced, packing in features like touch screens, facial recognition, and cameras that can put a DSLR to shame. While I appreciate having the power of a computer in my pocket, I recognize that not everyone needs this. That’s where Lively comes in.
Formerly known as GreatCall, Lively was acquired by Best Buy in 2018.1 Since then, Lively has been bridging the gap between cell phones and older adults. In this review, I'll take a closer look at its basic model, the Jitterbug Flip2. While simple in design, this phone packs some advanced care features that make it perfect for older users.
In our extensive tests, the Jitterbug Flip2 proved to be one of the best cell phones designed especially for seniors.
Want to learn about other cell phone options? Then check out my picks for this year’s best phones for seniors and senior cell phone plans.
Credit: Lively
Jitterbug Flip 2 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Made for older adults: From its streamlined design to the addition of medical alert features, the Jitterbug Flip2 is an ideal phone for those seeking simplicity.
- Affordable plans: The Jitterbug Flip2 normally retails for $79.99, and cellular plans start at $14.99 per month. However, as of this writing, the phone is available at a promotional price of just $39.99. Check the Lively website for current offers.
- Verizon-powered network: Lively, the provider of the Jitterbug Flip2, is powered by Verizon’s wireless network, which gave us exceptional call quality. Anywhere I traveled, I received flawless service with my calls and messages.
- Medical alert features: For an extra $20 per month, I got access to Lively’s Urgent Response feature, which turned my Jitterbug Flip2 into a medical alert system, complete with 24/7 professional monitoring. For fall detection, however, you would need a separate device: Lively’s medical alert system, Mobile2. With fall detection, the Mobile2 costs $34.99 a month — cheaper than many competitors such as MobileHelp’s Micro, which starts at $45.95 a month with fall detection.
- Voice commands: With its built-in Alexa functionality, my Jitterbug Flip2 could make calls, write texts, open apps, and look up information solely using my voice.
Cons
- No fall detection: The Flip2 has an optional urgent response button feature, but like many cell phones, the Flip2 doesn’t come equipped with automatic fall detection.
- No internet browsing: While simple phones like the Iris Flip support web browsing and apps, the Flip2 does not.
>> Read more: The Best Fall Detection Devices
Jitterbug Flip2 Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Screen size |
|
| Battery life (talk time) | 10 hours |
| Battery life (standby) | 4 days |
| Cameras |
|
| Hearing aid compatibility | M4/T4 |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Internal storage | 16 GB |
Jitterbug Flip2 Video Review
Purchasing My Jitterbug Flip2
You can purchase the Jitterbug Flip2 over the phone, online, or in physical stores, such as Best Buy. I bought my device directly from the Lively website.
The Jitterbug Flip2 is listed at $79.99, and there’s a one-time activation fee of $35. Keep an eye on Lively's website, as the phone frequently goes on sale.
Jitterbug Flip2 Plans
Unlike most phones, you can only use the Jitterbug Flip2 with a plan from Lively, meaning you can’t take it to another phone carrier. Luckily, since Lively uses Verizon's cellular network, most Americans will fall into its service area.
Lively offers three monthly plan options for the Jitterbug Flip2. Plans vary in price depending on the features you choose. And you'll also need to decide if 300 minutes and 300 texts are enough each month or if you want to pay $5 more per month for unlimited talk and text. Be sure to check Lively's website for the most current pricing, as plan details and costs are updated regularly.
Luckily, even with its Alexa voice commands, the Flip2 did not require any type of data plan, saving you from Lively's data costs, which can quickly get expensive.
FYI: Looking for an unlimited data plan? Then read our rundown of the best unlimited phone plans for seniors.
Jitterbug Flip2 Plan Comparison
| Basic | Preferred | Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | $14.99 | $34.99 | $44.99 |
| Lively Rides | Pay per ride | Pay per ride | Pay per ride |
| Urgent Response | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lively Link app | No | Yes | Yes |
| Care Advocate | No | No | Yes |
| Nurse On-Call | No | No | Yes |
Here is an overview of each feature of Lively’s plans.
Urgent Response
In the event of any emergency, medical or otherwise, the Urgent Response feature can come in handy. After pressing the dedicated button on the top of my Flip2's screen, Lively connected me to an agent trained in CPR and other emergency protocols who could trace my location and send help if necessary.
Essentially, this gave my phone the capabilities of a medical alert system.
>> Further reading: The Best Medical Alert Systems
Lively Rides
Ride-sharing services like Lyft have become second nature for younger generations, but many older adults haven’t yet warmed up to them.2 Lively Rides bridges that gap beautifully — Jitterbug Flip2 users can simply press 0 to call an operator who will arrange a Lyft ride on their behalf, no app or smartphone required. Lively will then add the cost of those rides to your monthly bill.
Lively Link
The Lively Link app is a great way for caregivers to keep tabs on their loved ones. Using this app on his smartphone, my partner received notifications each time I pressed my Urgent Response button. He could also check on my location and the battery level of my Flip2.
Care Advocate
Lively’s Care Advocates will conduct an initial screening and help the user create a care plan encompassing health, financial planning, and personal care. These services might include grocery shopping, housecleaning, or estate planning. Based upon my experience, they’re really “senior care coaches” rather than “advocates.”
Nurse On-Call
One of my favorite wellness features, Nurse On-Call allowed me to speak directly with registered nurses and doctors who provided me with medical advice and could even prescribe common medications over the phone. I found this feature to be much more useful than the Care Advocates, and it’s available 24/7.
I think that Nurse On-Call is a great way for seniors to answer nonemergency medical questions in a prompt manner. It definitely beats waiting in line for Urgent Care or waiting several weeks for a primary care visit.
Setting up and using my Jitterbug Flip2
It takes just a few minutes to activate your Flip2 online. Alternatively, you can call Lively’s customer service representatives, who can walk you through the process of finding your phone’s unique IMEI and connecting to WiFi.
When I powered up my Jitterbug Flip2, I almost felt like I'd gone through a time warp. Unlike my smartphone, which constantly barrages me with email and social media notifications, the Jitterbug Flip2 is comparably low-key and unobtrusive.
The home screen presented me with only the time, date, and a colorful background. Gradually, however, I came to appreciate the beauty of the Flip2’s simplicity. Especially for those of us looking for a phone rather than a pocket-sized computer, the Jitterbug Flip2 is just what the doctor ordered.
Jitterbug Flip2 Call Quality
More than 20 percent of all seniors between the ages of 65-74 in the U.S. suffer from hearing loss,3 This means a phone's audio quality should be top-notch, and the Jitterbug Flip2 does not disappoint. In the many test calls I made, I was impressed by the clarity and volume of the audio, which could be made even louder by using the speakerphone option. Plus, the Flip2 is hearing aid-compatible.
Jitterbug Flip2 Messaging
When it came to sending text messages, I was pleased with both the size of the buttons and their spacing, which made it a breeze to accurately type out letters. Additionally, everything on my Flip2’s screen was rendered in a large, 32-point font, making it easy to read. The phone’s buttons are also backlit, making it possible to type in a setting with either low or no light.
Jitterbug Flip2 Rear Camera
The Jitterbug Flip2's rear camera is nothing to write home about. While it's rated at 8 MP, the photos I took weren't high enough resolution to warrant printing or sharing online. Still, the camera does the job, and for practical purposes, such as photographing a recipe, it certainly comes in handy.
Who the Jitterbug Flip2 isn’t best for
Lively phones aren’t best for seniors who frequently make international calls, as calls to certain countries can cost $1 to $2 per minute. Older adults also might want to consider a different phone if they use a lot of data for streaming or gaming or like to take a lot of photos. Photo quality is lacking in this simple flip phone.
>> Further reading: The best medical alert systems for blind users in 2026
Also keep in mind that the Flip2 isn’t a super-fast phone — it only supports 4G LTE, which is slower than 5G. Lively may throttle speeds after you reach a certain data point. In addition, you can only use a Jitterbug phone with Lively phone service. So it’s not a good choice if, for example, you want to share a cell phone plan with a partner on a different network.
Compare Jitterbug to Other Brands
The bottom line
Overall, I came to appreciate my Jitterbug Flip2. While simple, each of its features worked flawlessly, and it had some unexpected safety features that I haven't seen on more advanced phones.
If you want to be able to stream movies and take high-definition photos with your phone, the Jitterbug Flip2 is likely not for you; Lively's Jitterbug Smart4, on the other hand, might be more in line with what you're looking for. But if you need a simple phone that's easy to use, costs very little, and includes useful safety features for older adults, then look no further than the Jitterbug Flip2.
To learn more about our favorite phones and plans for seniors, be sure to check out our helpful guides:
Our methodology: How I evaluated the Jitterbug Flip2
I tested the Jitterbug Flip2 over a one-week period, using it as my primary phone to evaluate its performance in real-world scenarios that older adults might encounter daily. Here is what I looked for.
- Call quality and network performance: I made numerous calls indoors and outdoors to test Lively’s network reliability. These tests were also done in moving vehicles and areas with weak coverage to evaluate voice clarity, volume levels, speakerphone quality, and hearing aid compatibility.
- Messaging and user interface: I sent many text messages to assess the typing experience, button spacing, font readability, backlit keyboard functionality, and overall ease with menu navigation.
- Battery life and durability: I tested battery performance under light, moderate, and heavy usage patterns, comparing the results to Lively's specifications. I also evaluated the phone's build quality through daily use, including accidental drops and exposure to various environmental conditions.
- Safety and support features: I thoroughly tested the Urgent Response system, making test calls to evaluate response times and agent professionalism. I also tried the Nurse On-Call service, Care Advocate sessions, and Lively Rides to assess their practical value.
- Cost and value: Cheap is great — unless you have to sacrifice function. We were pleased to find that the Flip2 is a durable and reliable device despite its super-affordable price. With a serviceable camera, emergency button, and long-lasting battery, not to mention affordable monthly service plans, the Flip2 offers excellent value for older adults.
- Customer service: We appreciate that Lively’s help and support page offers tons of resources, including how to understand every item in your bill, how to cancel service, and how to create your personal emergency profile. Lively also clearly explains how to contact representatives via email, phone, and by mail. Each phone also has a detailed help page with user guides for the phones, health features and specs.
- Additional features: I evaluated the camera in various lighting conditions, tested Alexa voice commands for calling and texting, and had my partner use the Lively Link companion app to test its tracking and notification features.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is the Jitterbug Flip2 phone a smartphone?
No, the Jitterbug Flip2 is not a smartphone. However, it does feature Alexa integration, allowing for a wide range of helpful voice command features.
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Does the Jitterbug Flip2 phone have internet?
No, the Jitterbug Flip2 does not have an internet browser or app store. However, its Alexa functionality allows you to ask questions and receive answers from the internet. For example, you can ask it to tell you the weather, and you’ll receive a local response.
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What carrier does the Jitterbug Flip2 use?
Lively is the carrier, and it uses Verizon’s cellular network.
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How much does a Lively plan cost per month?
Currently, Lively plans cost between $14.99 and $44.99 a month. Check Lively’s website for up-to-date pricing.
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Can I use the Jitterbug Flip2 with my existing phone number?
Yes, you can transfer your existing phone number to the Jitterbug Flip2 when you set up your Lively service. Lively will handle the transfer for you during activation. The process typically takes one-to-three business days to complete, and you’ll want to keep your old phone active until the transfer is finalized to avoid any service interruption.
