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The Best Cell Phones for Older Adults

By Liz Seegert
Updated
Four smartphones laying face-up near each other, unlocked.
Photo: Marki Williams

For older adults, choosing a cell phone is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. We spoke with people in their 70s and 80s who couldn’t wait to try out the latest smartphones with high-megapixel cameras. We also spoke with people in their 60s who favored the simplicity of more-basic phones.

After testing 15 models, we recommend two full-featured smartphones, a simplified smartphone, a phone for folks with dementia or memory issues, and a simple non-smartphone. All of them offer exceptional safety, health, and accessibility features that many older people and caregivers will appreciate.

How we picked


  • What we tested

    We looked at 15 phones, including smartphones, basic models marketed as being “senior-friendly,” and flip-style phones.

  • What we looked for

    We sought phones with built-in health, safety, accessibility, and privacy features, as well as those offering comfort, convenience, and value.

  • How we tested

    We tried each model for a minimum of one week, evaluating accessibility features and settings.

  • Multiple carriers

    We preferred compatibility with a variety of major carriers.

I’ve reported on health-care issues for nearly three decades, and specifically in the aging and health space for the past 10 years. I’ve written stories on health, mental health, and age tech, as it relates to older adults, for Time, Fortune, and other major online and print publications. I spoke with consumer-technology experts, manufacturers, and experts in aging and disability. And I consulted with older adults and caregivers around the United States on what makes a phone “senior-friendly.” I’ve also been a family caregiver, and I have previously researched and purchased a phone for a parent with both cognitive decline and vision loss.

I have read clinical studies and spoken with researchers about cell phone benefits for older adults and their families. These benefits include helping to alleviate isolation and loneliness, allowing someone to maintain a sense of independence, and providing caregivers with additional peace of mind.

The phones in this guide are best suited to three main groups of older adults:

  • those who are comfortable with technology and want to upgrade to a full-featured smartphone with robust accessibility settings
  • people who are not tech-inclined or who prefer a smartphone with fewer features, as well as those who are experiencing vision, hearing, or dexterity issues
  • those who need specific accessibility features due to physical or cognitive issues

Many of the phones we tested would also work well for disabled people of any age who need phones with accessibility features.

We also considered the needs of family caregivers shopping for a cell phone for older loved ones so that they can stay in touch, get help in an emergency, and maintain their independence.

The Lively Jitterbug Smart3 laying face-up with the home screen on display.
Photo: Marki Williams

Our pick

This reasonably priced model is for older adults who want a simplified smartphone that offers easy navigation but doesn’t require downloading additional apps. It also provides the option of 24/7 emergency monitoring.

Who it’s for: Older adults who want a simplified smartphone and the option of add-on health and safety services, and those who don’t mind paying an additional fee for access to live agents.

The Lively Jitterbug Smart3 laying face down next to a $10 bill and a folded $5 bill.
The Lively Jitterbug Smart3 is the smallest and lightest of our smartphone picks. Photo: Marki Williams

Why we like it

The popular Lively Jitterbug Smart3 uses text menus to make navigating a phone easier for someone who prefers a simplified smartphone. We think it would also work well for some people with memory or vision issues.

It’s easy to use. Text-based navigation makes setup very simple. And selecting features is as easy as tapping on a list of functions: “phone call,” “text message,” “camera,” “web browser,” or “maps.” Menus are clearly labeled, with large, easy-to-read type; this eliminates having to remember what various icons mean or any difficulty reading an icon’s name.

It uses voice commands. Audio and voice features can assist with making and receiving calls and messages. This is helpful for someone with low vision or any user who prefers speaking rather than typing.

It offers additional health and safety services. This phone’s calling plans include options for add-on health and safety services. These services—which include 24/7 urgent response and can help with everything from medical emergencies to calling a locksmith—begin at roughly $25 per month at this writing. For an additional fee, you can upgrade to get extra services, including phone access to an on-call nurse and care advocate and a personal concierge service (which can help you with tasks such as booking a ride-sharing service, looking up phone numbers, providing driving directions, or placing calls). This service is included as part of Lively’s premium health and safety package.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

  • You can download other apps from the Google Play store, but the process is far from intuitive. If you need a ride and don’t want to go through the hassle of downloading a ride sharing app, you can use Lively’s concierge service to book rides and handle other tasks. However, the per-use fees, as well as the monthly charges for other health and safety features, can quickly add up.
  • To get the most benefits, you have to subscribe to one of Lively’s calling plans. The company told us that the phone only works with Lively’s service, but when we tried a SIM card from a different carrier, we could still access everything except the Lively call center. If you decide to try this route, know that the phone won’t route assistance calls through Lively’s call center; it will make calls only to 911 if help is needed.
  • Wi-Fi calling is not available, and GPS tracking is available only through the Lively live-agent service; this could be an issue if you reside in a location with poor cell service.
The RAZ Mobility Memory Phone laying face-up with the home screen on display.
Photo: Marki Williams

Our pick

This phone was specifically designed for those with more-advanced cognitive decline. It gives the user options to connect with family and friends while maintaining a level of independence.

Who it’s for: Anyone with memory issues or more-advanced cognitive decline who needs to remain in touch with loved ones and to give caregivers the ability to check in on them.

The RAZ Mobility Memory Phone laying face down next to a $10 bill and a folded $5 bill.
The RAZ Mobility Memory Phone is one of the larger phones we recommend. It’s designed to be easy to use, and it even has a specific mode for those with hand tremors or arthritis. Photo: Marki Williams

Why we like it

The RAZ Mobility Memory Phone is geared toward older adults with memory issues or more-advanced cognitive decline. It is designed to do one thing and do it well: allow those with memory loss or dementia to stay in touch with family and friends, while also reducing common problems like unnecessary calls to emergency services, spam, and fraud.

It’s very easy to use. The owner simply taps and holds a photo of the person they want to call. When the user gets a call, two large buttons appear, labeled “Answer” and “Hang Up,” with a large photo of the caller on the screen. This takes caller ID to a different level for those who may not remember phone numbers or have difficulty operating a traditional smartphone. Unlike some other phones that support picture dialing, the RAZ Mobility Memory Phone has just one screen (apps aren’t spread across multiple screens), and it features only the six most important contacts. (There is an option to add up to 30 contacts, which requires the user to scroll.)

It has a dedicated emergency feature. A dedicated SOS link on the screen will alert up to three contacts. And it can connect the caller with RAZ’s call center, which has staff members trained in memory-impairment issues (an additional subscription is required). If a call to 911 is made, it will also alert the user’s caregiver. The phone is compatible with all major wireless carriers.

It’s caregiver-controlled. The caregiver controls all aspects of the phone through an online portal or a downloadable app. The caregiver can block calls from unknown numbers, set “quiet hours,” and reroute emergency calls to RAZ’s monitoring service or to designated contacts.

It has GPS tracking. This function is enabled by default, and it helps the caregiver monitor a loved one in case they wander or lose their phone.

It can receive and announce reminders from a caregiver. Although this phone doesn’t offer voicemail or text capability, a caregiver can send reminders (which appear as sticky notes on the owner’s screen) about charging, medication, or other tasks. The phone also announces an incoming caller’s name, and it lets the user know when charging is needed and when the phone has started charging.

It can receive video calls. A new feature allows the caregiver to make video calls to the user through the caregiver app.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

  • To access the call center, which includes enhanced emergency services, you have to pay an additional fee.
  • This phone is hearing aid compatible, but if you want to connect your hearing aid or earbuds via Bluetooth, you have to go through customer service, as there’s no way to do it yourself. The company notes that the call volume is set to maximum by default. We did find the speakerphone volume to be super loud, and it may work well enough for many users. 
The Snapfon ez4G laying face-up with the home screen on display above its tactile buttons.
Photo: Marki Williams

Our pick

This phone is good for older adults who prioritize simplicity, value, and a choice of calling plans. It’s also good for those who prefer a phone with larger buttons.

Buying Options

$162 from Walmart

May be out of stock

Who it’s for: Older adults who don’t want or need all the functionality of a full-featured smartphone, and those who prefer the simplicity of large buttons, large screen type, and additional emergency features.

The Snapfon ez4G laying face down next to a $10 bill and a folded $5 bill.
The Snapfon ez4G is the smallest phone we recommend and the only non-smartphone. Photo: Marki Williams

Why we like it

The Snapfon ez4G has very large buttons and an easy-to-read screen, and it can get loud. So for those who want a simple phone with additional safety features, this model is a budget-friendly choice. We found this phone to be a good non-smartphone alternative to the Lively Jitterbug Smart3 (the only other phone we tested that’s designed for older adults who do not specifically have cognitive issues or low vision).

It has a dedicated SOS button. When pressed, the emergency button alerts up to five pre-selected contacts by call and text. Once the alert is activated, the phone automatically switches to speakerphone mode. You can also opt to have the phone play a loud siren to let those nearby know that help may be needed.

It’s simple to use. The phone menu is limited and easy to navigate. It has a high-contrast black-and-white display, with large fonts that are easy to see. A speed-dial option makes calling favorite contacts relatively easy.

It includes several helpful apps. The phone includes preinstalled apps for email, texting, weather, FM radio, and Facebook.

It has Wi-Fi calling. This Snapfon model’s Wi-Fi calling capability is a key benefit for those who live in areas with poor cell coverage, and it may prove especially important in an emergency.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

  • You have to use one of the company’s calling plans. However, there are several options to choose from, and changing plans is relatively easy.
  • Also, on top of the calling plan, a monthly subscription to SOS Plus is required to access additional emergency features, including a live agent.
Each of the five phones we recommend for older adults laying face down side by side.
From left: Snapfon ez4G, iPhone 14 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S23+, RAZ Mobility Memory Phone, Lively Jitterbug Smart3. Photo: Marki Williams

We tried out more than a dozen phones, from the newest smartphones to basic models specifically touted as being “senior-friendly,” as well as some flip-style phones. Several of the smartphones we reviewed are already among Wirecutter’s top phone picks overall; others were new to us and offer a good combination of simplicity, accessibility, and emergency features.

We evaluated models based on how useful they would be for a person’s life stage, rather than for their specific age, since health and cognitive issues can vary widely along the age continuum. What works for you today may not work as well down the line, if your physical or cognitive abilities change.

In researching phones, we looked for those that included the following features:

  • Built-in health, safety, and privacy features: These include emergency SOS capabilities, crash detection, and medication and health information tracking.
  • Customization of accessibility options for people with hearing, visual, or dexterity challenges: Ideal options include the ability to adjust the display or font size; built-in voice control or a smart assistant to control functions, make calls, and send or read emails and messages; hearing aid compatibility; and the ability to modify standard gestures or taps to control functions.
  • Ability to block spam messages and calls: This is important since older adults are often victims of marketing scams.
  • Additional privacy features: Key features include the ease of opting out of location and data sharing.
  • Ease of setup: We prioritized phones that were easy to set up, including basic tasks like inserting a SIM card or downloading an e-SIM, automatically activating accessibility modifications such as the display size, and enabling security measures such as a PIN code, fingerprint recognition, or facial recognition.
  • Ability to add apps: These would include apps that help with independent activities of daily living, such as ride sharing or food delivery.
  • Good call and speakerphone quality: We looked for phones that had both.
  • Good camera quality and features: We sought phones that offered functionality such as photo-editing capabilities.
  • A combination of comfort, convenience, and value: We prioritized phones that offered a decent screen size, weight, battery life, durability, and cost.
  • Compatibility with a variety of major carriers: We preferred phones that were compatible with various carriers. Note, however, that some phones geared toward older adults come with specific plans.

We tested each model for a minimum of one week, using a prepaid SIM card on the T-Mobile network. We explored and assessed the accessibility features and settings for each phone from the perspective of an older adult with physical or cognitive issues.

We paired Apple AirPods in lieu of traditional hearing aids to evaluate connection and call quality. We made phone calls on the cellular network as well as on Wi-Fi (if the phone was capable). We also tested each camera by photographing the same scenes and objects under similar lighting conditions.

If you want a more budget-friendly iPhone: The Apple iPhone SE 3rd generation offers many health, safety, and accessibility features found on more expensive iPhone models. The SE’s screen is smaller than those of its pricier siblings. But it weighs less, and if you have limited grip strength, it can be more comfortable to hold than the iPhone 14 Plus. This phone does come with some trade-offs, such as no crash detection or off-grid SOS. Yet many people are likely to find that it has plenty of accessibility features to meet their needs, including adjustments for individual apps as well as global settings, adaptations like boosting font and display size for those with low vision, and conversation boost and sound recognition for those with hearing loss. We also like that its 4.7-inch screen lets it fit easily in a pocket. The camera quality is very good for such a small phone, and it includes options to tweak photos before, during, and after you take the shot. In our tests, call quality was good on both incoming and outgoing calls, and the speakerphone was loud and clear. If necessary, hearing aids or Bluetooth headphones are easily connected.

If you want a more budget-friendly Android phone: The Google Pixel 7a is a lower-priced option from the Pixel lineup that’s sure to please Android fans. This phone has a smaller screen size (6.1 inches) than the 7 and 7 Pro, yet it still offers excellent clarity. Though the Pixel 7a is several hundred dollars less than the Samsung Galaxy S23+, it provides nearly as many accessibility and safety features, including crash detection. For those with hearing loss, or for anyone who has difficulty hearing certain conversations, the Pixel 7a is hearing aid compatible, and it filters out background noise and enhances the caller’s voice to make them easier to hear. It can also alert you to sounds such as doorbells or smoke alarms. Other accessibility features for those with low vision or dexterity challenges include TalkBack, which provides audible feedback about your actions, alerts, and notifications; display and text-size adjustments; a braille keyboard input; the ability to customize gestures or buttons for greater functionality; and the Google voice assistant, which can perform many tasks through voice commands. Additionally, the Pixel 7a has a higher-resolution rear camera and a wider-angle front-facing camera in comparison with those on prior Pixel phones, along with plenty of options for editing your photos.

If you’re low vision or blind: The RAZ Mobility MiniVision2+ Cell Phone is a standard non-smartphone model designed specifically for those who are low vision or blind. It incorporates large buttons, several of which have a tactile feel. The phone “talks” the user through all functions, including contacts, messaging, screen navigation, caller ID, and additional included apps, such as the banknote reader (which will scan your paper money and give you audible feedback of the denominations). The black-and-white screen is sharp, and fonts are large by default. Large battery-level and signal-strength indicators are helpful. The phone can also be set to blink a light as well as ring; we found the ringer and speaker to be very loud. Users can place calls by pressing a single button to speed-dial contacts. And this phone allows for Wi-Fi calling, which is crucial for anyone who lives in an area without good cell service. However, to use voice commands you need a wireless connection, which could be an issue if you’re not in a location with Wi-Fi. The phone is hearing aid compatible, and it easily connects to wired or Bluetooth earbuds, or to 4G-capable hearing aids. This is the only model we tested that gives true audio feedback for every function by default, allowing a person with significant vision loss to maintain more independence.

If you’re looking for a less expensive Android phone with most of the same features as the Samsung Galaxy S23+: The Google Pixel 7 is a more budget-friendly choice than the rival Galaxy S23 line. It has numerous health and safety features, though they’re less comprehensive than those offered by the S23+. Many accessibility features are available on the lock screen, including voice commands that can handle a wide range of tasks. And it has hearing aid compatibility and the ability to change display and type size. A preinstalled safety app includes emergency SOS, car-crash detections, and safety checks (which, if enabled, periodically require you to manually confirm that you’re okay; if there’s no response within a specified time, the phone sends your location to your emergency contacts and 911). The Pixel 7 Pro has a larger screen and a better camera, but it’s normally about $300 more than the Pixel 7.

If you’re looking for a simple and inexpensive flip phone: The Snapfon ezFlip 4G is a simple, low-cost flip phone that includes a dedicated SOS button (which can send alerts to up to five contacts; 24/7 monitoring is available for an additional fee). Apps for Facebook, email, a web browser, photos, texting, and a file manager are preinstalled, but keypad typing can be a chore. A fall-detection feature is a nice plus. Hearing aid compatibility and large, legible type make dialing fairly easy. You need a Snapfon plan to access all features, but you have several options to choose from.

If you want a voice-controlled flip phone: For people who want a simple flip phone with options for health and safety monitoring, the Lively Jitterbug Flip2 also has large buttons and large text. It features a dedicated emergency button, which can connect either to 911 or to Lively emergency-monitoring agents (though a subscription is required). Owners of a home Alexa smart speaker can connect it with their phone and use Alexa features, including requesting driving directions, making calls, sending messages, or getting weather reports. The Jitterbug Flip2 is hearing aid compatible; it also has Wi-Fi calling capability, which may make it a safer choice for someone in an area with poor cell coverage. Lively’s health and safety packages allow owners to receive 24/7 urgent response, nurse-on-call, personal concierge, and other benefits, but they require an additional subscription fee on top of the calling plan.

If you want a budget Android smartphone and your carrier is T-Mobile or Metro: The OnePlus Nord N300 5G is a basic smartphone that delivers on many levels. It has a large screen, decent call quality, voice commands, and basic health and safety features (including a reminder to pay attention to your surroundings if you’re using the phone while walking). It also offers a satisfactory camera in a less expensive package compared with some other Android options. However, it is carrier-locked to T-Mobile/Metro, which may be an issue for someone who uses a different carrier or does not receive good service from T-Mobile/Metro in their area.

The Nokia 225 4G is a very basic, inexpensive candy-bar-style phone with decent call quality and a low-resolution camera. It could be a viable option for someone who’s primarily looking for a low-cost way to make and receive calls. But it has no health or safety features, except for emergency 911 calling. And we found that other low-cost phones, including the Snapfon ez4G, had significantly better call quality.

The Apple iPhone 14 Pro has all the health, safety, and accessibility features that we love in our top pick, the iPhone 14 Plus, along with an additional telephoto lens that enhances an already excellent camera. For anyone whose top priority is a high-quality camera, we recommend this one. But its smaller screen, heavier weight, and higher price tag make it a less compelling option for most older adults.

The Kyocera DuraXV Extreme is a Verizon-only flip phone that’s durable enough to be a good choice for those who are prone to dropping things. However, we didn’t test it because other flip-style phones—like the Lively Jitterbug Flip2 and the Snapfon ezFlip 4G—offer more safety features, including a dedicated emergency SOS button.

The Jethro SC490 4G Cell Phone for Seniors has picture dialing, large type, and an emergency SOS button, and it comes with a prepaid talk and text plan. But there are no caregiver-enabled controls or monitoring, and it lacks GPS, so we decided against testing it.

The Gabb Z2 Phone was originally designed for children, but it could easily be used by an older adult who wants simple features and spam blocking—and doesn’t want internet or social media capabilities. The spam blocking and GPS tracking are a plus. But this phone does not offer any health apps or other safety features that may appeal to older adults, so we didn’t test it for this guide (though you can read about it in our guide to the best phones for kids).

This article was edited by Claire Perlman and Christine Cyr Clisset.

  1. Stephen Ewell, executive director, Consumer Technology Association Foundation, phone interview, January 25, 2023

  2. Laurie Orlov, analyst, founder, Aging & Health Technology Watch, phone interview, December 8, 2022

  3. Sareena Dayaram, Samsung Galaxy S23 vs. Google Pixel 7: Compare the Specs of Both Android Phones, CNET, February 16, 2023

  4. Taylor Shuman, Easiest Cell Phones for Seniors to Use, Senior Living, May 10, 2023

  5. Amie Clark, The Best Cell Phones for Seniors in 2023, The Senior List, May 9, 2023

  6. Nirali Desai, 12+ Best Cellphones for Seniors to Stay Connected in 2022, A Place for Mom, May 9, 2023

  7. Snapfon Cell Phones for Seniors Review, Consumers Advocate

  8. Marc Saltzman, Do You Need a Smartphone Targeted to Older Adults?, AARP, July 20, 2021

  9. Tonya Ryan, A Guide To The Best Cell Phones For Seniors With Dementia, Forbes, December 13, 2022

  10. Ryan Haines, OnePlus Nord N300 review: Simple to a fault, Android Authority, November 12, 2022

Meet your guide

Liz Seegert

Liz Seegert is an award-winning, veteran health journalist who has reported on aging for digital, print, and radio for the past decade. She has discovered that Betty Friedan was right: Aging is a new stage of opportunity and strength.

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