Jitterbug Phones for Seniors: Plans and Costs
Combining affordable plans with safety features, Lively is one of the best options for senior cell phones. While the provider currently offers only two phones, either option will suit those in search of simplicity.
Over the years, Jitterbug phones have evolved to offer users intuitive interfaces with surprisingly advanced features. The Jitterbug Flip2 is a modern take on a flip phone, while the Jitterbug Smart4 is ideal for first-time smartphone users. Smartphones are the most commonly purchased tech device for U.S. adults ages 50 or older, purchased by 26 percent of seniors in the past year, as of 2024.1
In this rundown, we’ll examine each of Lively’s cell phones and their plans, and compare them to the competition.
A good cell phone is nothing without a quality network. Read my rundown of this year’s best senior cell phone plans to find plans from $15 per month.
A Breakdown of Jitterbug Phone Plans
Unlike most cellular carriers, Lively first delineates its plans based on wellness features. After choosing one of these plans, you’ll add either data (for the Smart4) or talk minutes (for the Flip2).
Here is an overview of Lively’s three phone plans. Regardless of which Jitterbug model you select, one of these plans will apply.
Jitterbug Plans Comparison
| Basic | Preferred | Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly price for Flip2 | $14.99 | $34.99 | $44.99 |
| Monthly price for Smart4 | $19.99 | $39.99 | $49.99 |
| Unlimited talk and text | Yes, on the Smart4 | Yes, on the Smart4 | Yes, on the Smart4 |
| Lively Rides | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Urgent response | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lively Link app | No | Yes | Yes |
| Care advocate | No | No | Yes |
| Nurse On Call | No | No | Yes |
Lively Plan Features
In addition to talk, text and data, Lively plans come with some optional features tailored toward older adults:
Urgent response: In the event of any emergency, I could press the dedicated button on the top of my Smart4’s screen and get connected to an agent who could trace my location and send help if necessary, similar to a medical alert system. Easy access to 911 is especially important for people with medical conditions and mental disorders, who are more frequent 911 callers.2
Lively Rides: With Lively Rides, Jitterbug users can contact an operator to arrange Lyft rides, with no app required. That’s great, since studies have shown that technology may be a barrier to older adults’ ride-share access.3
Lively Link: 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 Smart4.
Care Advocate: Care advocates conduct an initial screening and help the user create a Care Plan that encompasses health, financial planning and personal care.
Nurse On-Call: 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.
Talk Plans
If you purchase the Jitterbug Flip2, then you’ll have to choose a talk and text plan in addition to your main plan. Your first option, Standard, comes at no extra charge, including 300 talk minutes and 300 texts per month. Your second option, Unlimited, costs $5 monthly and includes unlimited talk and text.
Data Plans
If you select the Jitterbug Smart4, you’ll be required to add a data plan. They range from free to $30 per month. The data cost will be in addition to your monthly base plan costs.
| Monthly data allowance | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| 1 GB | Free |
| 5 GB | $5 |
| 10 GB | $15 |
| Unlimited | $30 |
Overage Charges
Unlike Consumer Cellular, which will automatically upgrade your service plan if you go over your monthly allowance, Lively will charge you for the overage.
- Data: $0.02 per MB
- Talk: $0.35 per minute
- Text: $0.10 per text
Jitterbug Flip2
At $79.99 (plus a $35 activation fee), the Jitterbug Flip2 is the more affordable of Lively’s two device options, and with its classic flip phone design, it’s also the more simplistic model. For the user looking to make calls, send text messages and snap the occasional photo, the Jitterbug Flip2 is ideal. With its large buttons, voluble speaker and sizable screen, this phone is a breeze to use. Additionally, this phone boasts an M4/T4 rating for hearing aid compatibility.
To learn more about this phone, read our full Jitterbug Flip2 review.
Jitterbug Flip2 Video Review
Jitterbug Smart4
Similar to the Flip2, the Jitterbug Smart4 uses a list-based menu to simplify the phone’s operation. In our experience, we found this device was much more intuitive than similar Androids with icon-based menus. We also appreciated that, like any Android phone, this device had Google Assistant. This allows a user to use voice commands to activate just about any of the phone’s features.
At $119.99, the phone costs a bit more than its predecessor. For those seeking a phone with double the battery life and faster speeds, however, the Smart4 is worth the cost of entry, especially when you compare it to other smartphones on the market and consider the $35 activation fee.
To learn more about our experience, read our Jitterbug Smart4 review.
Jitterbug Smart4 Video Review
SIM Card Kit
In the past, Lively subscribers had to purchase a Jitterbug phone to use Lively’s service, but recently, they released SIM card kits that allow a person to bring their own phone to Lively’s network.
In addition to unlimited talk and text, each plan gives you access to Lively’s urgent-response capabilities, the Lively Link app and the nurse-staffed hotlines.
Here are the two plans:
- 5 GB of data: $15 per month for three months, and $24.99 after
- Unlimited data: $30 per month for three months, and $49.99 after
Compare Jitterbug to Other Brands
Recap
While modern cell phones have a reputation for being beyond the capabilities of older adults, the Jitterbug lineup proves that this is not the case. With a combination of simplicity, wellness features and affordable service plans, each Lively device is tailored to keep seniors connected to their loved ones with little hassle.
To learn more about the best cell phones for seniors, check out our guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How is Lively Urgent Response different from similar medical alert services?
Unlike a medical alert system, Lively’s service is not confined to medical emergencies, since it can also be used to contact roadside assistance. The service does not, however, include fall detection on Lively phones.
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What makes the Jitterbug Flip2 so easy to use?
Through a combination of large buttons, a bright screen and an intuitive menu design, the Jitterbug Flip2 is designed to have no learning curve whatsoever. Additionally, it’s accessible to people with vision and hearing impairments.
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Do I have to sign a contract for Lively service?
The longest commitment you’ll have to make with Lively is for just one month. You will never be asked to sign a long-term agreement.
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Are roaming and long-distance calls included with Lively?
Lively includes roaming and long-distance calls for free if they are in the U.S. There are additional charges for international calls and texts outside of the U.S., Canada, Mexico, El Salvador or Puerto Rico.
- Jamaica: $0.40 per minute
- United Kingdom: $0.06 per minute
- Germany: $0.07 per minute
- Everywhere else outside the U.S.: $1 per minute or $1.35 per minute for Unlimited plan customers
See Lively’s customer agreement for more information.
