In 2016, approximately 80% of aging adults owned a cell phone; that same year, 42% owned a smartphone, compared to just 18% of seniors in 2013. Additionally, about 34% of U.S. adults over the age of 65 report using social media sites, such as Twitter and Facebook. Considering this increase in senior phone ownership, it’s important for aging adults to find a cell phone that best caters to their needs—the best phones for seniors are those that combine affordability, ease-of-use, quality sound, long battery life, durability, and a big, clear display.

The best cheap phones for seniors include:

There are many excellent devices for seniors, including basic flip phones and intuitive smartphones. Plus, check out the best cheap phone plans for seniors, from carriers such as GreatCall, Consumer Cellular, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint.

Top Flip Phones for Seniors

Flip phones are great for many reasons: they fit nicely in any pocket, they’re far more durable than most smartphones nowadays, and they have actual buttons as opposed to touch-screen controls. Keep in mind, some flip phones cannot access the internet.

Jitterbug Flip

The Jitterbug Flip, which costs just $99, is available from GreatCall, a small carrier that operates on Verizon’s robust network. GreatCall’s Jitterbug Flip is an inexpensive, senior-friendly phone with big buttons, a large screen, and GreatCall’s 5Star Urgent Response button on the keyboard—the 5Star Urgent Response button is a quick way to call for help in the event of an emergency. Keep in mind, you cannot access the internet or connect to WiFi with this phone.

Key Jitterbug Flip features:

  • Powerful speaker
  • Voice dialing
  • Flashlight
  • Long-lasting battery
  • Screen magnifier
  • Emergency response button

Sonim XP3

The Sonim Xp3, which costs anywhere from $190 to $240, depending on the carrier, is an easy-to-use, durable flip phone that features a grip-friendly exterior, a long battery life, and an extra-loud speaker.

Key Sonim XP3 features:

  • Hearing aid compatible
  • Noise cancelation for outside sounds
  • Push-to-Talk for instant communication
  • 5MP camera
  • Waterproof
  • Internet access and WiFi-enabled

Consumer Cellular Link

The Consumer Cellular Link is a $30 flip phone sold by Consumer Cellular, a small carrier that runs on T-Mobile and AT&T’s powerful networks. Like GreatCall, Consumer Cellular caters to the needs of aging customers—AARP members receive a discount on their Consumer Cellular phone plan each month. The Consumer Cellular link, which cannot connect to the internet, is a great, budget-friendly flip phone for those who want to keep it simple.

Key Consumer Cellular Link features:

  • Hearing aid compatible
  • Large, classic keypad
  • Bright display
  • 2MP camera
  • Bluetooth
  • Long-lasting battery

Alcatel GO FLIP

The Alcatel GO FLIP costs between $95 and $110 upfront, with pre-owned options costing just $39 for those looking to save even more money. This basic flip phone is available from several carriers, such as Gen Mobile, h2O Wireless, and Metro by T-Mobile. Unlike many other flip phones, the Alcatel GO FLIP has 4G connectivity, allowing users to surf the web or send emails.

Key Alcatel GO FLIP features:

  • Intuitive and easy to use
  • Hearing aid compatibility
  • Long-lasting battery
  • 4G connectivity
  • 2MP camera
  • Large buttons on keypad

Easy-to-Use Smartphones for Aging Adults

Smartphones are growing in popularity amongst senior consumers and for good reason—smartphones enable seniors to stay connected to their loved ones in many different ways, from video-chatting to Facebook messaging to emailing.

Jitterbug Smart2

The Jitterbug Smart2 costs just $149.99, and GreatCall touts it as the “simplest smartphone ever.” The Jitterbug Smart2 is a great option for seniors who want the advantages of GreatCall, such as 5Star Urgent Response, GreatCall Link (a safety app), and GreatCall Rides (a rideshare app), as well as a high-speed data allowance to browse the internet, post pictures of children and grandchildren on social media, and more.

Key Jitterbug Smart2 features:

  • Long-lasting battery
  • Large, brightly lit screen
  • Single-list navigation
  • Voice typing
  • 13MP camera
  • Emergency response button

Samsung Galaxy J3

The Samsung Galaxy J3 costs $90 and is an intuitive, user-friendly smartphone with an HD display that boasts a bright and clear picture and sharp graphics. An optional “Easy Mode” is available; this mode uses fewer, bigger home screen icons and easy app engagement.

Key Samsung Galaxy J3 features:

  • Hearing aid compatible
  • Voice recognition
  • Bright, HD display
  • 8MP rear camera
  • 5MP front-facing camera
  • Bluetooth

Motorola Moto G7 Play

The Motorola Moto G7 Play costs anywhere from $149 to $249, depending on the carrier. It’s available from many carriers, such as Tello, Ultra Mobile, Boost Mobile, Twigby, and Page Plus. The Motorola Moto G7 Play is a bit more high-tech than the other phones on this list, but it’s still relatively easy to use. It may be a solid choice for young seniors in their sixties or early seventies.

Key Moto G7 Play features:

  • Face unlock
  • Fingerprint sensor
  • HD+ Max Vision display
  • Gesture to access features and apps quickly
  • 13MP rear camera
  • 8MP front-facing camera
  • Waterproof
  • Loud volume and high voice quality on calls

iPhone 7

For seniors who are looking to up their smartphone game a bit, there’s the iPhone 7—Apple’s 2016 flagship device. Albeit a bit more expensive than the other phones on this list ($199-$399), the iPhone 7 is an excellent option for younger seniors who want to get the most out of their smartphone experience. Plus, many carriers often offer great iPhone deals that could knock that price down all the way down to $0.

Key iPhone 7 Features:

  • Retina HD display
  • 12MP rear camera
  • 7MP front-facing camera
  • 4K video camera
  • Dust and water resistant
  • Stereo speakers

Cheap Cell Phone Plans for Seniors

The small carriers, GreatCall and Consumer Cellular, offer senior-friendly cell phone plans while Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint offer senior discounts on their phone plans. GreatCall provides different health and safety services for aging consumers while Consumer Cellular partners with AARP to provide seniors with discounts on phone plans. The senior phone plans offered by the major carriers don’t offer any senior-specific features—they simply offer discounted plans.

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