.png&w=256&q=75){kind=small}
What’s the Simplest Cell Phone for Seniors?
Date Updated: July 28, 2025
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
The Jitterbug Smart3 is the simplest cell phone for seniors to use. It provides seniors with the capabilities of a smartphone combined with a simplified menu, large and easy-to-read text and an array of pre-loaded applications designed to support senior health and well-being. That includes an Urgent Response button, which when pressed, connects the user with an agent who can instantly confirm their location and send help, if necessary.
Other cell phones that are easy to use for seniors include the Jitterbug Flip2 and the iPhone SE. While these phones are both simple to use for seniors, neither combines the capabilities and accessibility that come with the Jitterbug Smart3.
Why the Jitterbug Smart3 Is Our Top Pick for the Simplest Cell Phone for Seniors
The Jitterbug Smart3 is an easy-to-use smartphone designed exclusively for use by seniors. Plans start at just $19.99 per month, making it an affordable choice for seniors on a budget.
It features a list-style menu that’s easy to navigate, even for seniors who aren’t experienced with smartphones, and the Urgent Response button is located right on the home screen, making it easy for seniors to connect with help in the event of an emergency, 24 hours a day.
The Jitterbug Smart3 comes preloaded with apps designed to help seniors remain independent while protecting their health and safety. That includes apps that connect users with board-certified doctors or registered nurses as well as apps to help seniors schedule affordable transportation or browse the internet safely.
Other features of the Jitterbug Smart3 include:
- 6.2-inch screen with large text
- Voice-to-text typing
- Video chat
- Built-in tutorials
- Mobile internet
- Preloaded brain games for cognitive health
For more information about this product, read our full review of the Jitterbug Smart3.
Uploader Note: Link to the completed product review for Jitterbug Smart3.
Other Cell Phones To Consider
Jitterbug Flip2
The Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively is designed to be as simple as possible. While it doesn’t include smart capabilities, it does have Amazon Alexa built into its interface, which enables seniors to send text messages or make phone calls with their voices. Additionally, the Jitterbug Flip2 features the Urgent Response button, which is built into the keypad.
To learn more, read our full review of the Jitterbug Flip2.
iPhone SE
The iPhone SE isn’t necessarily designed to accommodate the needs of seniors, but it’s among the simplest of smartphones on the market today. With photo icon applications and capabilities that include Facetime video chatting and voice-to-text typing, it’s easy for seniors to use the iPhone SE to stay in touch with friends, family and caregivers.
To learn more, read our full product review of the iPhone SE.