The Best Big Button Cell Phones of 2024
For older adults, using a cell phone often comes with issues, whether due to inadequate volume, hearing aid incompatibility, or the overwhelming nature of smartphone features. One particular problem that I’ve seen with many clients is the lack of physical buttons.
In recent years, many cellular carriers have abandoned simple phones in favor of smartphones, and while many smartphones have large touch screens, they lack tactile buttons altogether. For older adults working with arthritis and vision impairment, these issues can add up to a frustrating experience.
Thankfully, there are a few models out there with big buttons that make life much easier for seniors. Some were created especially with older adults in mind, while others just happen to be robust models with the right kind of buttons. Let’s take a look at some of the best cell phone models with big buttons.
FYI: Once you find the best phone with large buttons, you’ll need to pair it with the right network. To find unlimited talk and text plans from $15 per month, read our guide to the best senior cell phone plans.
Our Methodology
To compile this list of the best cell phones with large buttons, we considered the following factors:
- Button size and spacing: We looked for phones with large, well-spaced buttons that are easy to see and press. We also considered the placement of the buttons, making sure that they were easy to reach without accidentally pressing other buttons.
- Screen size and resolution: We chose phones with large, high-resolution screens that were easy to read and navigate. We also considered the screen type, preferring LCD or AMOLED displays over TFT screens.
- Extra features: We looked for phones with a variety of features that are important to seniors, such as hearing aid compatibility, SOS buttons, and simplified menus. We also considered the phone’s overall performance, including battery life, call quality, and camera quality.
- Affordability: All of the phones on this list cost $100 or less, and the majority of them can be used on numerous carriers.
Best Big Button Cell Phones of 2024
Jitterbug Flip2 - Dedicated Urgent Response Button
What We Like Most:
- Emergency safety features
- Affordable plans from Lively
- Large, backlit buttons
- Personal operator available
Cost: $99.99 when purchased from Lively
Overview
Lively is one of the best medical alert companies in the industry. Much like their systems, some of Lively’s cell phones are equipped with emergency response technology and large screens and buttons with intuitive keypads for older adults.
The Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively is a fully functional cell phone with big buttons that make it easier to dial and text loved ones. It also doubles as a medical alert device and connects you to the Lively Response Team for 24/7 emergency support.
Buttons
I was pleased to see the red Urgent Response button marked as a prominent red star on the bottom of the flip phone. When pressed, this button automatically alerts certified response agents. Whether you’re having a big or small emergency, you can get the help you need right away by pressing the large red button for help.
The Jitterbug Flip2 has large, easy-to-see buttons that are well-spaced and easy to press, even for arthritic fingers. The numbers are big and clear, so there’s no need to squint to see them. I love that I can easily navigate between menus and make calls without any trouble.
Performance
In my tests, calls came through clearly and messaging was a breeze, thanks to its large and nicely spaced-out buttons. If you don’t want to use the big buttons, this cell phone comes equipped with voice-activated Amazon Alexa, which easily sends calls and texts without using your hands to dial.
Drawbacks
The only real drawback to the Jitterbug Flip2 is that it doesn’t have a lot of features. Apart from the voice commands, there are no smart features here like internet browsers, downloadable apps, or social media compatibility. That said, this limited feature set is partially what makes this phone so easy to use.
Overall, for the senior who’s looking for a phone to augment the features of their medical alert system, the Jitterbug Flip2 is a great option.
To learn more, read our full Jitterbug Flip2 review and our Jitterbug phone reviews.
Pros
- Loud and Clear Speaker
- Simple Navigation
- Built-in Flashlight
- Hearing Aid Compatible
- Urgent Response Button
- Speed Dialing
- Amazon Alexa
- Large Buttons and Screen
Cons
- No Family Plans
- Additional Charges for Going Over Minutes or Texts for Some Plans
- Low-Quality Camera
Consumer Cellular Iris Flip - Best Overall Value
What We Like Most:
- 5MP camera
- Long battery life
- Large, backlit keypad
- Speed dialing
Cost: $69 when purchased through Consumer Cellular
Overview
At first glance, the Iris Flip looks like any other flip phone, but don’t let its unassuming exterior fool you. This compact device packs a surprisingly powerful punch, offering a range of useful features like voice commands and app-store functionality that make it a breeze to use.
Buttons
One of the most striking aspects of the Iris Flip is its large, tactile keypad. The buttons are well-spaced and easy to press, making it a breeze to navigate through menus and make calls. Additionally, the phone had dedicated buttons for speakerphone and contacts, both of which streamlined the process of making calls.
Performance
Despite its simplicity and affordability, the Iris Flip performed exceptionally in our tests. Each of our test calls came out clear, and we also appreciated its loud speakerphone. What we appreciated most, however, were its voice commands. Powered by Google Assistant, the Iris Flip had a number of voice commands that allowed us to browse the web, make calls, and, most importantly, dictate text messages.
As we all know, texting on a nine-digit keypad is wonky and slow; however, with this phone’s voice-to-text feature, the process was streamlined. For example, while sending a message, I could hold down the center button and say, “How are you doing?” From there, the phone transcribed this into a text that was ready to send.
Drawbacks
The main drawback with the Iris Flip would have to be its camera. While rated at 5MP, which is about average for this list, the photos we captured with the Iris Flip were grainy and — in the case of outdoor photos — washed out. There’s also no front-facing camera here for selfies, unlike the Jitterbug Flip2.
Overall, the Iris Flip is a compelling choice for those seeking a simple yet capable flip phone. Its user-friendly design, powerful performance, and range of features make it an ideal companion for everyday communication and entertainment.
To learn more about this phone, read our full Iris Flip review, and you can also check out our rundown of compatible plans in our Consumer Cellular review.
Pros
- Large tactile keypad
- 14 hours of talk time
- Affordable plans from Consumer Cellular
- Voice-to-text capabilities
- Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
- No selfie camera
RAZ SmartVision 3 - Best Smartphone
View Packages
Links to RAZ SmartVision 3
What We Like Most:
- Fully functional Android phone
- Large keypad and touch screen
- Three free months of Mint service included
- Google Play Store apps
Cost: $539 when purchased from RAZ Mobility
Overview
If you struggle with vision impairment, then the SmartVision 3 from RAZ Mobility might be the phone for you. Combining a touch screen, a physical keypad, and a suite of accessibility features, this phone is incredibly easy to use, despite its advanced feature set.
Buttons
One of the things I love most about the SmartVision 3 is its tactile keypad. The buttons are large, easy to press, and have audio feedback through its TalkBack feature, so I could always tell which button I was pressing. This made it so much easier to make calls, send texts, and use the other features of this phone. Additionally, this phone’s 3.5-inch touch screen made it even easier to navigate the phone’s menus.
Performance
In our tests, the SmartVision 3 had exceptional call quality that was as good as — if not better than — the Jitterbug Flip2. We also were impressed by this phone’s TalkBack feature, made specifically for those with visual impairment. With this feature, any time we pressed a button, the phone announced which button was selected before opening a feature.
For example, when we pressed the 1 button, it announced, “One.” When we pressed the home button, it announced, “Home.” This type of response could be useful for those who are unable to clearly see the buttons they’re pressing.
Drawbacks
The only real drawback to the SmartVision 3 is that it’s a bit expensive. At $539, it’s by far the most expensive phone on this list. That, combined with the fact that features like TalkBack are standard on Android phones, might justify the purchase of a Samsung Galaxy instead.
That said, overall, we loved the combination of touch screen and keypad here. Because of this, the SmartVision 3 is one of our favorite smartphones for seniors.
To learn more about this phone, read our full RAZ SmartVision 3 review.
Pros
- Keypad and touch screen
- Great for vision impairment
- Full-featured Android phone
- Optional accessibility controls
Cons
- Potentially steep learning curve
- More expensive than other phones
Nokia 2720 V Flip - Best Hearing Aid Compatibility
What We Like Most:
- Google Assistant capabilities
- Dedicated SOS button
- Long battery life
- Compatible with hearing aids
Cost: $79.99 when purchased through Verizon
Overall
The Nokia 2720 V Flip phone features a large 2.8-inch LCD display with large buttons for easy dialing and contacting help during emergencies. What’s more, it’s equipped with Bluetooth and hearing aid compatibility for seniors with hearing loss. On top of all of these great features, this classically designed flip phone has big buttons, including an emergency button that can accommodate even the largest of fingers.
>> Read more: The Best Bluetooth Hearing Aids
Buttons
The Nokia 2720 V Flip offers a user-friendly keypad with large, well-spaced buttons for easy navigation. The buttons are designed with a tactile feel for better grip and control. They require medium pressure to press, making them suitable for users with varying dexterity levels. The keypad is backlit for comfortable use in low-light conditions, and we found that texting was a breeze, even in the dark.
Performance
I’d recommend this classic flip phone for older adults who are looking for a lightweight and durable phone with large buttons that are easy to navigate. It also has smart features like Google Assistant, which gives you an array of voice commands that allow you to make calls and send messages hands-free.
What I like about this particular model is that it’s designed to send a text message to up to five preferred contacts when double-pressing the large emergency button. Alternatively, you can also access your emergency list from the In Case of Emergency (ICE) menu in case responders or family members need access to important medical or insurance information.
Drawbacks
While this phone did feature some smart capabilities, including an internet browser, we found that actually using this browser with the keypad was a bit cumbersome. If you’re looking for a touch screen to browse the web more smoothly, then we’d recommend the SmartVision 3.
That said, when it comes to call quality, its responsive emergency button, and the large-sized buttons on the keypad, the Nokia 2720 V Flip didn’t disappoint.
To learn more about this provider, read our rundown of Verizon phones for seniors.
Pros
- Google Assistant capabilities
- Dedicated SOS button
- Long battery life
- Compatible with hearing aids
Cons
- Poor camera quality
- Occasionally lags in performance speed
Cingular Flip IV - Most Affordable Option
What We Like Most:
- Supports Wi-Fi calling
- Phone retails for $62.99
- Rear-facing camera
- Large keypad
Cost: $62.99 when purchased through AT&T
Overview
Available on AT&T’s 4G LTE network, the Cingular Flip IV is a simple phone with some advanced capabilities. For starters, this handset has large tactile buttons and a 2.8 inch display. It also features a 2-megapixel camera for capturing both images and video, and an external clock so you can see the time without opening the handset.
Buttons
The Cingular Flip IV is a user-friendly flip phone that features a comfortable keypad with well-sized buttons. The buttons are also tactile, allowing users to easily feel their way around the keypad. This is an important feature for users who may have difficulty with vision or dexterity.
The Cingular Flip IV has a standard keypad layout with 10 number buttons, two menu buttons, a navigation button, and a power button. The buttons are well-spaced and easy to press, even for users with large fingers. The Cingular Flip IV’s buttons provide tactile feedback, which means that users can feel a click when they press a button. This is important for users who may have difficulty with vision. This feedback helps to ensure that users are pressing the correct button, especially in low-light conditions.
Performance
This phone comes with 4 GB of internal memory, plus an SD card slot so you can expand the memory capacity if you need to. It also comes with a built-in FM radio app so you can listen on the go. Calls and texts to Mexico are included in both plans. Overall, we found the Cingular Flip IV super easy to use, and we love the on-screen menu as well. It’s very easy to text on, and we also appreciated the stellar sound quality.
Drawbacks
The primary downside to this phone would have to be its lack of Wi-Fi calling. Unlike the Alcatel GO Flip 4, all of your calls –– even ones made in your home –– will have to use 4G LTE signal. This could potentially be an issue for those who live in more rural areas with weaker cellular signals.
To learn more about this phone, read our full Cingular Flip IV review, and to learn more about AT&T’s plan, read our review of AT&T phones for seniors.
Pros
- Large, backlit buttons
- Great on-screen menu
- Easy to text on
- Excellent sound quality
Cons
- Cumbersome volume and camera controls
- Low camera quality
Alcatel Go Flip 4 - Best Phone Battery
What We Like Most:
- Long-lasting battery
- Loud and high-quality speaker
- Two-week battery life
- Large internal display
Cost: $96 when purchased through T-Mobile
Overview
Available through T-Mobile, the Alcatel GO FLIP 4 is our choice for the best big-button cell phone, because it combines large tactile buttons with the advanced features of a smartphone. Additionally, the device costs only $96, and when paired with one of T-Mobile’s senior plans, you’ll get unlimited talk, text, and data for as low as $27.50 per month.
Buttons
When it comes to buttons, the standard keypad on this phone provides ample room for each of my calls and texts. What’s more, the phone’s shortcut keys also made it easier for me to respond to texts or contact loved ones right away. I also appreciated the preview screen alerts on the bright 2.8-inch display that let me see if I had any incoming calls or important messages to answer.
Performance
In our tests, the call quality on this device stood up to that of the most advanced smartphones. During my calls, each conversation came through loud and clear on 4G LTE. I was also impressed by GO FLIP 4’s battery life, which lasted me nearly two weeks on standby and provided more talk time. Equally impressive was this phone’s smart features. With built-in access to the KaiOS store, I could download a number of apps on this flip phone, including Gmail, WhatsApp, and Facebook. Sure, the app capabilities are not as varied as a smartphone’s, but it’s still a great improvement over your average flip phone.
Drawbacks
The main drawback to this phone would have to be its camera quality. Much like other phones on this list, save for the SmartVision 3, the camera on the GO Flip is somewhat weak. Most of our photos came out grainy and discolored.
That said, for the senior looking for a simple phone with smartphone capabilities and a large keypad, the Alcatel GO FLIP 4 is a great option.
To learn more about this phone, read our full Alcatel Go Flip review.
Pros
- Classic design
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Mobile hot spot capable
- Long battery life
- Large screen
- Hearing aid compatible
Cons
- Subpar camera quality
- No medical alert features
Bottom Line
Choosing a phone with big buttons can make all the difference for seniors who struggle with their eyesight or weak or painful hands. Whether you want something very basic, a little sturdier, or the capability to connect to the internet, there’s something on this list of big-button phones for every need.
Also, if you’re looking to save a little extra money, be sure to check out our list of senior cell phone discounts and list of the best phones for seniors.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Are there any smartphones with real buttons?
There are many smartphones that still have physical buttons for dialing instead of a touch screen. The Jitterbug Flip2 acts as a smartphone and flip phone with an intuitive keyboard and large buttons.
-
Which flip phone has the largest buttons?
The Jitterbug Flip2 and Iris Flip have the largest buttons of any phone we’ve tested. That said, the iPhone’s Assistive Access mode makes it have large digital buttons.
-
Which smartphone is easy for seniors to use?
The Jitterbug Smart4 is likely the easiest smartphone for seniors to use, though it lacks a physical keypad. For a smartphone with a keypad, we’d recommend the SmartVision3.
-
Which phones have big buttons?
Phones that have big buttons include the Jitterbug Flip2, Alcatel GO FLIP 4, and Nokia 2720 Flip.
-
Why don’t phones have buttons anymore?
Most modern phones don’t have physical buttons to make space for apps or other smart features.
