Key Takeaways

• The best cellphones for older adults have accessibility features, like enlarged text, simple navigation, hearing aid compatibility, and a loudspeaker. 
• The Jitterbug Smart4 is our favorite option for users who enjoy smartphone features but want a simpler design. 
• The RAZ Memory phone is one of the only cellphones designed for users with dementia or cognitive decline. 
• The right cellphone for you depends on your preferences, accessibility needs, budget, and comfort with technology. 

Between standard flip phones and the newest smartphones, you have many options for keeping in touch with family and friends. The right cellphone for you depends on how much or little you want to do on your phone. Are you looking for a simple flip phone for long calls and quick texts? Do you love using your smartphone to check emails or browse online but want a more straightforward design?

Our Reviews Team narrowed down our top cellphone recommendations to four options to meet a variety of lifestyles, preferences, and accessibility needs. Whether you’re looking for a cellphone for yourself or someone else, keep reading to find the right fit.

A quick look at the top cellphones for older adults

1. Best Smartphone: Lively Jitterbug Smart4
2. Best Flip Phone: Consumer Cellular IRIS Easy Flip
3. Best Phone With Voice Assistance: Jitterbug Flip2 
4. Best for Dementia or Cognitive Decline: RAZ Memory Cellphone

Why should you trust our expert review

Cellphones help care recipients stay connected to caregivers and emergency services. Although they don’t have the same safety features as medical alert systems, our Reviews Team underwent a similar process when reviewing cellphones: 

• Engaged in ongoing independent research
• Consulted with licensed adult caregivers, doctors, and nurse practitioners who specialize in older adult care
• Mystery shopped seven cellphones 
• Read hundreds of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties, such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot

Table 1 Comparing the best cellphones for older adults, as of 2024

Best cellphones for older adults

Ease of use of the Jitterbug Smart4

While some users may like the large screen (the length of two credit cards), it may be more difficult for others to navigate and hold the Smart4. Weight is an important feature to consider when shopping for phones for older adults, especially if the user has dexterity issues or limited mobility. The Jitterbug Smart4 weighs almost 7 ounces, which is heavier for phones. For reference, the iPhone 14 is 6.07 ounces.

The Google Assistant app allows you to make calls, send text messages, check the weather, and ask general knowledge questions with your voice. Use this hands-free feature by saying, “Hey Google,” followed by a question or command.

Like all cellphones in this review, you can keep the same phone number when switching to a Jitterbug phone. We also like that you have the option to activate your Jitterbug phone online or by phone.

Keep in mind if you’re switching to the Smart4 from an iPhone or other smartphone, it may take some time to learn the new layout and button placements.

Kate V., based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, purchased the Jitterbug Smart3 (discontinued but available until stock is gone) for her mother and found that the learning curve was difficult since her mother was familiar with an iPhone.

She gave the example of her mother pressing the side button, thinking it was similar to an iPhone “wake” button, but instead, she was turning the ringer volume down.

“If the person has previously used an iPhone and has memory loss, switching to a Jitterbug smartphone may be confusing and counterintuitive,” Kate said.

Ease of use of the IRIS Easy Flip

The IRIS Easy Flip weighs slightly less than a baseball, making it one of the lightest phones on this list. Users with dexterity or mobility issues may find it easier to navigate and hold this phone for longer periods of time. We also like the rubber keypad and textured back of the phone to help keep your fingers and thumb from slipping.

Other cellphones to consider

Our Reviews Team chose the best cellphones based on accessibility, affordability, safety features, and other important considerations. 

The following phones didn’t make our best cellphone list, but we wanted to add them here as smartphones are becoming more popular with older adults. In fact, 83% of adults age 50–64 and 61% of adults age 65 and older use a smartphone, according to a 2021 survey conducted by Pew Research Center. 

iPhone SE 

The iPhone SE may be a cellphone to consider if you’re familiar with the iOS layout, love using your apps and browsing online all in one place, and a high-quality camera is non-negotiable. We like that the iPhone SE has the home button and touch ID, which may make it easier to navigate compared to other models without the home button. 

Top features: 

• Lowest priced iPhone available (starts at $429)
• Hearing aid compatible
• Water resistant 
• Advanced camera quality and portrait mode 

Drawbacks: 

• Smaller screen (4.7 inches) 
• Touch screen may be difficult for some users to navigate 
• List-based navigation not available 
• Large text not default setting 

What we considered when choosing

When choosing the best cellphones for older adults, we assessed each phone based on the following features: 

• Accessibility: Accessibility features were the most important consideration when researching and vetting cellphones. We prioritized phones with enlarged text, settings for low vision and mobility challenges, verbal assistant technology, loud speakers, and more. 

• Hearing aid compatibility: We only chose cellphones compatible with hearing aids. These cellphones reduce feedback and background noise and are compatible with a hearing aid telecoil, according to Federal Communication Commission guidelines. 

• Affordability: Everyone’s budget is different, but we wanted to keep costs low when choosing the best cellphones. All cellphones in our review have an equipment fee lower than $350, and most monthly plans start at $20 with unlimited talk and text. 

• Ease of use: We prioritized cellphones with features that make it easier to use, such as a simple navigation menu, ergonomic keypad, and one-button dialing.

• Safety features: On top of connecting you with your family and friends, the best cellphones for older adults have safety features, like GPS tracking and optional 24/7 monitoring. 

• Provider availability: You should have your choice of the most popular cellular network providers, so we evaluated whether cellphones were compatible with major networks, like AT&T and Verizon. 

• Ability to keep your current cellphone number: We made sure our top cellphone recommendations allow you to keep your current phone number. 

• Apps and smartphone features: Access to apps and internet browsing may not be a priority for everyone, but we considered some phones with smartphone capabilities.

Heidi Huynh, an occupational therapist and owner of Ascend Therapy Services, recommended two ergonomic features when shopping for cellphones: the general grip and how easy it is to hold the phone when using screen features and talking.

“For some, this may mean getting a phone that is a bit thicker and more sturdy, maybe one with a textured outside so it’s not as slippery,” said Huynh. 

Fall detection is an important safety feature for many older adults, but most cellphones don’t offer it. If you or your care recipient have a history of falling or have a higher fall risk due to a chronic disease, consider a medical alert system with fall detection. 

What cellular provider should you use?

Most cellular providers offer discounts for adults 55 and older, and some even have special deals for AARP members. Whether you’re interested in keeping your current provider or want to switch, use our chart below to compare.

Cellular network provider	Deals and discounts available
AT&T	The AT&T Unlimited 55+ Plan offers unlimited talk, text, and data for $60 per month.  AARP member discounts available: Save $10 on unlimited talk and text, select activation, and upgrade fees waived
Consumer Cellular	Cellphone plans start at $20 per month for unlimited talk, text, and data.  AARP member discounts available: 5% off monthly plans, up to 30% off cellphone accessories, 45-day money-back guarantee (regular is 30 days)
Mint Mobile	The Mint 55+ Plan offers unlimited talk and text for $15 per month, plus free activation. Customers purchasing a RAZ Memory phone also get three free months of service.
T-Mobile	The Essentials 55 Plan offers unlimited talk, text, and data for $27.50 per phone per month (minimum of two phones).
Verizon	The Verizon 55+ Unlimited Plan offers unlimited talk, text, and discounted data plans for $62 per month (only available in Florida).

Bottom line

The best cellphone for you depends on your preferences, accessibility needs, budget, and comfort with technology. That’s why our top recommendations are various phones with different technology levels and features.

We recommend the Jitterbug Smart4 if you enjoy your current smartphone but want simpler navigation and more accessibility features than competitors. 

If you enjoy talking and texting on your phone—and nothing else—we recommend the Consumer Cellular Verve Snap. It’s a high-quality, durable flip phone with accessibility features and no internet access. 

If you want something between a smartphone and a standard flip phone, consider the Jitterbug Flip2. It’s an excellent flip phone with “smarter” features, such as Amazon Alexa voice assistant. 

The RAZ Memory Cellphone is the most specialized phone in this review. The simple, one-screen menu, contact photo icons, and other features are designed for users with dementia or cognitive decline.

Frequently asked questions

Are there any free phone deals for older adults?

Lifeline is a federal program offering free or discounted cellphone services for older adults. To qualify, your income must be 135% or less than the federal poverty guidelines. You may also qualify for Lifeline benefits if you receive assistance from programs like Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and other programs. 

What carrier does Jitterbug use?

Jitterbug phones use the Verizon cellular network. Use the Verizon coverage map to see coverage in your area. 

What is the easiest cellphone for older adults?

The Jitterbug Smart4, Jitterbug Flip2, RAZ Memory Cellphone, and Consumer Cellular Verve Flip are our Reviews Team’s top cellphones for older adults. The right cellphone will vary for each user’s needs, preferences, and budget, but we believe these phones are the easiest to use.

What features should older adults look for in cellphones?

Large text, hearing aid compatibility, screen size, and simple navigation are key features older adults can look for when shopping for a cellphone. Users with limited dexterity or mobility issues should also factor in the cellphone’s weight, size, and keypad size. The best cellphone features for older adults depend on the user’s comfort with technology, accessibility needs, budget, and other factors. 

Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Sources

1. Alzheimer’s Society. The Progression, Signs and Stages of Dementia. Feb. 24, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/how-dementia-progresses/progression-stages-dementia
2. Faverio M. Share of Those 65 and Older Who Are Tech Users Has Grown in the Past Decade. Pew Research Center. Jan. 13, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2022/01/13/share-of-those-65-and-older-who-are-tech-users-has-grown-in-the-past-decade
3. Federal Communications Commission. Hearing Aid Compatibility for Wireline and Wireless Telephones. Jan. 28, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/hearing-aid-compatibility-wireline-and-wireless-telephones.