Technology The 8 Best Cell Phones for Seniors in 2021 3/9/2021 | By Seniors Guide Staff Most of us in our so-called “Golden Years” readily admit that we are not particularly tech-savvy, especially when compared with our grandkids! But we still want to communicate with our loved ones, so we need to find the best cell phones for seniors that are not too confusing to use and relatively easy to set up. The good news is that there are quite a few phones that focus on the needs of older adults. Here are eight that come highly recommended from several sources, and are all marketed for seniors with many valuable features. The first three models on the list are available with GreatCall, a health and safety service designed for older adults. 1. Jitterbug Smart 2 The Jitterbug Smart 2 functions as a smartphone and is designed with seniors in mind. An easy-to-see 5.5” screen, simple menus, and hearing aid compatibility are just some of the features it provides at around $115. Plus, it supports 5-Star urgent response through a pre-installed app. Some of the Jitterbug’s smart features include texting with voice typing, internet access, a built-in camera, and a front-facing speaker to aid conversations. 2. Jitterbug Flip Available for less than $75, the Jitterbug Flip is the flip phone version of the Smart2 without the apps, internet connection, games, or other smartphone features. It is designed for phone calls only and provides a large keypad, large text, and a simple navigation menu to help seniors make and receive them using “yes” and “no” buttons. And just as with the Smart2, the Flip has a built-in 5-Star urgent response button. 3. Lively Flip Like the two Jitterbug phones, the Lively Flip phone is compatible with GreatCall’s senior-specific services. There is an emergency button that connects to the 5-Star emergency network, which employs GPS tracking. Big buttons and a magnifying screen are also some of the senior-friendly options. At about $100, the Lively Flip has speakers that filter out background noise and Amazon’s Alexa virtual assistant to help make calls, text, set a timer, or access music. 4. Blu Joy Blu Joy’s large keypad and simple navigation make it one of the best cell phones for seniors. And at under $30, it’s also one of the most affordable cell phones. The phone is lightweight (1.12 ounces), and it includes entertainment features such as built-in FM radio, MP3 and MP4 players, and a camera that records short video clips and photos. A built-in SOS button alerts emergency response, including the police, medical personnel, and firefighters, an excellent benefit for anyone who suffers from slow or limited hand mobility. 5. Snapfon ez4g The Snapfon ez4g, at a reasonably-priced $120, is designed for both safety and ease of use. Emergency features include automatic call or text alerts to a pre-established contact list and a single-button 911 call. For immediate help, a siren can sound. The phone’s audio is compatible with hearing aids, offering protection against cell interference. A large keypad with textured buttons and a “speaking keypad” that recognizes English and Spanish add to the senior-specific benefits. 6. Consumer Cellular Doro 7050 With a purchase price of $50, the Doro 7050 is a simple, affordable way for seniors to stay connected. The flip phone is among the best cell phones for seniors with its large buttons, high-contrast displays, and a basic camera. It comes with an emergency assistance button and over two weeks of battery life. And it is compatible with hearing aid telecoils. Training videos and tutorials are included to simplify setup for even the most tech-averse older adults. 7. Verizon Kyocera DuraXV Extreme At $240, the Kyocera DuraXV Extreme is a relatively expensive flip phone. But since one out of every three adults over the age of 65 has hearing loss, it’s essential to find a cell phone that’s compatible with hearing aids while offering high-quality sound. The DuraXV’s M4/T4 rating is the highest on the market, meaning those with hearing aids will experience a minimum of background noise and feedback. The phone also features Bluetooth technology for those with Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids. 8. Consumer Cellular Link The upfront cost of just $30 makes Consumer Cellular’s Link flip phone one of the favorites of seniors on a fixed income. It provides the primary cell phone features – texts, calls, large keys, and a built-in camera – without advanced features or internet access. It’s among the best cell phones for seniors looking to make calls and send texts to friends and family at a reasonable cost. Other Cool Technology for Seniors Read More Seniors Guide Staff Seniors Guide has been addressing traditional topics and upcoming trends in the senior living industry since 1999. We strive to educate seniors and their loved ones in an approachable manner, and aim to provide them with the right information to make the best decisions possible.