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Lively's Jitterbug Smart3 is the best cell phone for seniors because it combines accessibility, functionality, and safety. This simple smartphone has a large menu with only the essentials like maps and directions, a camera, email, and an internet browser.
Even the phone’s service plans have senior-friendly features like on-call conferencing with a doctor or nurse and an SOS button that turns your cell phone into a simple medical alert system.
But it's not the only senior-friendly cell phone on the market. Check out our other top picks below.
Best cell phones for seniors
- : Best safety features
- : Best scam prevention
- : Best for budgets
- : Best regular smartphone
- : Best for seniors with dementia
Compare the best senior cell phones
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Product
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Best for
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List price
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Screen size
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Memory
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Camera quality
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Learn more
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Read review
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Best safety features | $149.99 | 6.2 in. | 32–256 GB | 13 MP rear 5 MP front |
View on Lively | Read review |
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Best scam protection | $399.00 | 8.0 in. | 32 GB | 5 MP rear 5 MP front |
View on Amazon | Read review |
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Best for budgets | $99.49 | 2.8 in. | 32 GB | 2 MP | View on Amazon | Read review |
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Best regular smartphone | $165.00 | 4.7 in. | 64–256 GB | 12 MP rear 7 MP front |
View on Amazon | Read review |
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Best for dementia | $369.00 | 6.5 in. | 32 GB | N/A | View on The Alzheimer's Store | Read review |
*Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
1. Jitterbug Smart3: Best safety features
Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
Jitterbug has been a leading brand for senior cell phones for decades. After taking a closer look at the Jitterbug Smart3, we can see why.
From the payment plans and features to the design of the phone itself, the Smart3 is tailor-made for older adults. This smartphone has all the must-haves like an internet browser, email, and maps without the distractions of social media and apps.
Simple menu Loud audio Customizable service plan
No app store Monthly services can get expensiveJitterbug Smart3 best features
When you turn the phone on, you’ll be greeted by a bright, simple menu. You can make a phone call, check your voicemail, or send a text in just a few clicks. And the call quality is loud and clear too, thanks to the front-facing speaker.
The Smart3 improves on the Jitterbug Smart2 with an even larger screen for easy viewing. You also don't have to pay extra for brain games like with the Smart2—the games come standard on the Smart3.
Jitterbug Smart3 cell phone plans
Lively gives you lots of options when it comes to customizing your cell phone plan. Talk, text, and data come à la carte .
The talk and text plan's monthly prices are slightly misleading since they don't include a cellular data plan. You have five data options to choose from, and it costs $0.10 per MB used above your plan limit.
There are a few more optional services to add to your plan: Lively's Health and Safety packages get you cool features like Urgent Care, Urgent Response, and even a personal operator.
The Lively Flip is the flip phone from Lively that acts like a smartphone. It’s a classic flip phone with large buttons, bright screen, and powerful speaker. It also comes with the Alexa smart assistant built in. Alexa can answer questions, provide weather forecasts, or help you control home automation—all you have to do is ask.
Check out the Lively Flip in our Jitterbug Phone review.
2. GrandPad: Best scam prevention
The GrandPad Tablet by Consumer Cellular is a giant smartphone designed for seniors who just need the basics. Its 8-inch screen and high-contrast buttons are easy to see and press, and it comes with a stand so your loved one doesn't have to hold it all the time. It even comes with a nifty stylus for improved navigation.
But we really love GrandPad's built-in scam prevention. The tablet only makes and receives calls to pre-approved numbers, which means absolutely no robocalls will reach your loved one.
Large screen Spam call protection Classic games Stylus and stand Video calling Internet and email Wi-Fi and 4G
No way to add other apps Awkward to carry on-the-goThe GrandPad has a camera and supports video calls. It features a web browser, email app, and music and radio apps.
And while there's no app store access for your loved one to download Angry Birds or Candy Crush, the GrandPad boasts an impressive roster of classic games, including:
- Solitaire
- Freecell
- Spider Solitaire
- Hearts
- Bridge
- Bingo
- Word search
- Crossword
- Bingo
- Memory
- Blackjack
- Texas Hold'em
A $59/mo. Consumer Cellular subscription is required to access all features.
3. Alcatel Go Flip 3: Best for budgets
Amazon.com list price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
The Alcatel Go Flip 3 is a workhorse of a flip phone that handles all the basics and more. Along with calling, texting, and email, it has Google Assistant built in to answer questions and provide directions.
It also has some basic accessibility features like Real Time Text (RTT) for live captioning and Text Telephone (TTY) for hearing impaired users. And its 7.9 hour battery may make other phones jealous.
Simple texting and calling Long battery life RTT and TTY for hearing impairments
Poor camera quality Tricky navigationOne of the biggest complaints we saw about the Go Flip 3 was its camera. If you aren’t planning on snapping a lot of pictures, it’s not a problem. But the photos a 2 MP camera produces will look grainy and unclear compared to those from phones with 13 MP cameras.
Alcatel Go Flip 3 cell phone plans
This flip phone for seniors is available through T-Mobile or Metro by T-Mobile, so prices may vary. But when we checked, the phone is about $97 from T-Mobile.
If you’re looking for a simple mobile phone, the Alcatel Go Flip 3 is a cheap option for just calling and texting. Reviewers on T-Mobile said navigation takes practice and the camera was a big drawback for them. That said, it’s great for the ultra-minimalist in your life who prefers short phone calls and a way to check emails on the go.
4. Apple iPhone 8: Best regular smartphone
While it’s not the latest iPhone, the Apple iPhone 8 is one of the best in recent years for seniors and older adults. We like its straightforward home button that exits out of apps and brings you to the home screen.
What we like most about the iPhone 8 for seniors are its built-in health monitoring app, connectivity to smart devices, and accessibility features.
Built-in health monitoring app Quick connection to smart devices Accessibility features
Varied prices based on carrierHealth monitoring app
The Apple Health app is like having a tiny doctor in your pocket. It can record nutrition, activity, and vitals information from daily steps to blood glucose. If you need to track it, it’s probably there.
If you use a wearable device for seniors like the Apple Watch or a FitBit, your device will automatically sync with Apple Health.
Connectivity to smart devices
There are advantages to going with one of the most popular smartphones around. The iPhone 8 is a great choice for older adults who love to tinker with tech. For example, if you have loved ones who also use an iPhone, you can video chat with them directly through FaceTime.
Apple iPhones connect to a huge range of smart home and health devices. The iPhone is compatible with popular smart home devices like these:
Accessibility features
As you get older, tasks like typing, reading, and remembering become more of a challenge. The iPhone 8 has the power to tweak almost every aspect of the phone’s functions to make it more accessible to those with hearing, vision, or motor impairments.
Toggle the VoiceOver feature on to have the phone read text aloud to you or hook it up to your hearing aid to hear conversations more clearly. You can also adjust the color settings to make the screen easier on your eyes.
Or for a simpler solution, adjust the font size on the phone to make the text bigger.
5. RAZ Memory Cell Phone: Best for seniors with dementia
The RAZ Memory Cell Phone was built for people struggling with memory problems like dementia or Alzheimer's. There's only one screen, and it shows pictures of up to six contacts and an emergency button for easy one-touch dialing.
The real magic happens in the caregiver app, where loved ones can send reminders to the RAZ Memory Cell Phone, track its location and battery power, block robocalls, turn on the auto-answer feature, and lock volume controls.
Simple display One-touch dialing Reminders Auto-answer Auto-speaker phone Restricted call list 911 or professional monitoring Wireless charging option
Can't send video calls (yet)If you're worried your loved one may dial 911 during non-emergency events, you can sign up for RAZ professional monitoring for $99/yr. Instead of dialing 911, the emergency button dials RAZ's monitoring center. The monitors will talk to your loved one and dispatch first responders if needed.
Take care to purchase the RAZ Memory Cell Phone model that works with your preferred carrier. The one we've linked to works with every major carrier, but there's a slightly cheaper version that only works with Mint Mobile, T-Mobile, and Metro by T-Mobile.
Final word
For us, the Jitterbug Smart 3 hits the sweet spot. It caters to older users without watering its function down. You’ll get all the important features from your smartphone without the distractions and noise that comes with standard phones.
Whether you thrive on the latest tech or prefer a simple phone in your pocket, it’s important to be honest about your needs in a cell phone. After all, you’ll probably use it every day.
Senior cell phone FAQ
With a large screen, high-contrast buttons, and simplified navigation menus, the GrandPad is the easiest cell phone for seniors to use. That said, seniors with dementia will have an even easier time using the RAZ Memory Cell Phone.
Check with your state's assistive technology program. If your loved one meets eligibility requirements—which may include disability status or income level—they could qualify for a free cell phone.
The Jitterbug phone can't be purchased or serviced through Verizon Wireless. You have to go through Lively (formerly GreatCall) to activate and use the Jitterbug phone.
Our top senior cell phone picks include the Jitterbug Smart3, Apple iPhone 8, Alcatel Go Flip 3, GrandPad, and RAZ Memory Cell Phone. The best cell phone for you will match your budget, provide all of the features you enjoy, and be easy to use.
If it’s a smartphone, yes. The FCC requires all wireless and wireline phones to be compatible with hearing aids.1 But smartphones like the iPhone or Galaxy Note 8 come with features that let you adjust your hearing aid settings from your phone.
Without diving into a photography lesson, most smartphones with cameras have up to 13 MP to take clear pictures. Many flip phones out there have cameras with 2 to 8 MP, which may produce blurry or grainy images. Poor quality images from cameras like these aren’t as easy to share or print off without sacrificing quality.
Data allows you to use apps and surf the web without using Wi-Fi. Carriers often charge by the amount of data you use and prices vary from plan to plan. If you plan to stream music, watch videos, or play games, we recommend getting a data plan with your phone with at least 2 GB.
You can find a deal on a phone online with a quick Google search. You’ll just need to be sure your carrier supports it before you click that “buy” button. Most phone manufacturer pages will list carriers they work with. When in doubt, call your carrier to make sure the phone is compatible.
How we reviewed the best cell phones for seniors
Older adults have different needs than younger folks. Devices with large displays, simple controls, and loud audio got pushed to the front of the line for our senior cell phone review.
We also looked for phones with fewer distractions. The best cell phones for seniors put communication front and center, rather than apps, games, and social media.
And finally, we looked at the price. Newer phones are expensive, so we wanted to help seniors save some cash for what matters to them, like spoiling the grandkids or enjoying a vacation.
Check out our methodology page to see our best practices for reviews like this one.
Related articles on SafeWise
Sources
- Federal Communications Commission, “Hearing Aid Compatibility and Volume Control,” October 2021. Accessed March 14, 2023.
Disclaimers
*Amazon.com list price as of post date. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. SafeWise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
†Google, Google Nest, Google Assistant, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC.
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