The Best Cheap Phones for Seniors in 2024
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While many types of technology like televisions and computers have declined in cost over the years, cell phones continue to get more expensive. If you’re looking to buy the latest phones from Apple or Samsung, then you can expect to shell out a minimum of $1,000, if not more.
That’s why we’ve scoured the market and have found six high-quality phones that cost less than $150 each. The cheapest one is under $50. What may surprise you is the amount of smart features now available on budget-friendly phones. Among the many flip phones on this list, you’ll find voice commands, app stores, and high-quality cameras. No longer does buying a cheap phone mean you have to cut back on features.
In this rundown of the best cheap phones for seniors, we’ll take a look at six devices that impressed our team with their performance, useful features, and – of course – their budget-friendly prices.
Pro Tip: A bargain phone is only as good as the network you pair it with. To find cell phone plans for as low as $10 per month, check out our rundown of the best senior phone plans.
Cheapest Cell Phones for Seniors in 2024
- Jitterbug Flip2 : Best Overall Value
- Consumer Cellular Iris Flip : Most Affordable Plans
- TCL Classic : Most Affordable Flip Phone
- Jitterbug Smart4 : Most Affordable Smartphone
- CAT S22 Flip : Most Durable
- Alcatel Go Flip 4 : Best Hearing Aid Compatibility
Our Methodology
In order to create this list, we evaluated over 20 different phones available from a variety of providers. To rate them and rank them, we used the following criteria:
- Price: While the most recently released iPhone starts at $999, we only looked at phones that cost $200 or less. The lower the cost, the higher we rated them.
- Call quality: Extra features aside, we think a phone should first and foremost make crystal-clear calls. We tested each phone in a variety of settings to ensure that voices came in clearly both on our end and the ends of those we called.
- Simplicity: It’s a phone, not a spaceship, which means it should be fairly intuitive to use. I looked for phones that weren’t just cheap, but were also user-friendly and didn’t require me to spend hours with the user’s manual.
- Network compatibility: We gave extra points to phones that could be used on a variety of networks. The majority of these phones can be paired with numerous carriers.
Our Top Picks
Jitterbug Flip2 - Best Overall Value
What We Like Most:
- Intuitive design
- Loud speakerphone
- Alexa-enabled voice commands
- 8MP camera
Cost: $99.99 from Lively
Overview
If you’re looking for a flip phone with some surprisingly advanced features – including 24/7 urgent response calling and dedicated nurse hotlines – then the Jitterbug Flip2 is an ideal option. Additionally, with the device costing $100 and plans starting at $19.99 per month, it’s also highly affordable.
>> Read more: The Best Flip Phones
Performance
For starters, the Jitterbug Flip2 had crystal clear call quality. Each of our test calls – from a crowded cafe to a nearby park – came in clearly on both ends. We were also impressed by the volume of the Flip2’s speakerphone, which made for easy hands-free calling.
Another feature we appreciated with the Flip2 was its Alexa-enabled voice commands. Using these voice commands, we could ask the phone to make calls, send messages, or look up certain information online. For example, when we asked the phone to Call Amie, it initiated with Amie from our contacts.
Plans
Unlike many other phones on this list, the Jitterbug Flip2 is only compatible with Lively’s network, so if you were hoping to pair a phone with a major carrier, then you might consider the TCL Classic, instead. Fortunately, Lively’s plans are affordable.
Lively’s plans start at $19.99 per month for unlimited talk and text. If, however, you want to add Urgent Response calling features or the dedicated nurse hotline, then you’ll have to pay extra. To learn more about the features of Lively’s plans, read our full guide to Lively phones and plans for seniors.
Drawbacks
The Jitterbug Flip2 is a true flip phone. That means that, while it had a front and rear camera, there was very little I could do on the phone aside from making calls and texts. If that’s enough for you, you may appreciate the simplicity. However, if you’re looking for a phone that can browse the web or utilize apps, then we’d recommend the CAT S22 or the Alcatel Go Flip.
To learn more about this phone, read our full Jitterbug Flip2 review.
Pros
- Large, tactile buttons
- Front and rear-facing cameras
- M4/T4 hearing aid compatibility
- Long-lasting battery
Cons
- Must be paired with a Lively plan
- Safety features cost extra monthly fees
Consumer Cellular Iris Flip - Most Affordable Plans
What We Like Most:
- Talk-only plans from $15 per month
- Affordable device costs
- Smartphone capabilities
- Up to 48 hours of talk time
Cost: $69 from Consumer Cellular
Overview
At $69, the Iris Flip is one of the most affordable devices on this list, and with Consumer Cellular’s plans starting as low as $15 per month, the Iris Flip is a solid option for anyone looking to save. Additionally, despite being a flip phone, it has some smart features like voice commands that make it even easier to use.
>> Learn more: Consumer Cellular Review
Performance
In our tests, the Iris Flip’s call quality was top-notch. While we did notice more wind noise on this phone when making calls outside, it performed well overall. We also appreciated that this phone had a dedicated speaker button, which made it easy for us to toggle this feature on and off during calls.
Additionally, we appreciated this phone’s inclusion of voice commands. These came particularly in handy when sending text messages. Rather than manually typing out text messages, we could send messages by dictating them. For example, when I wanted to dictate a message to my mother, I simply held down the center button and dictated, “How are you?” The phone then transcribed this message perfectly.
Plans
While the Iris Flip can be paired with most major networks, we’d recommend purchasing the phone from Consumer Cellular. When paired with a Consumer Cellular plan, you can get 300 minutes for $15 per month or, for $20 per month, unlimited talk, text, and 1GB of data. Sure, Consumer Cellular also offers unlimited data plans; however, since the data features of this phone are somewhat limited (not to mention it also supports Wi-Fi), you likely won’t need much data.
Drawbacks
Unlike the Jitterbug Flip2, the Iris Flip only has one rear-facing camera and no front-facing camera for selfies. On top of this, the Iris Flip’s 5MP camera left something to be desired, with most of our images coming out grainy and (in the case of outdoor images) washed out. If a high-quality camera is of concern, then we’d recommend checking out the Jitterbug Smart4.
To learn more about this phone, read our full Iris Flip review.
Pros
- Long-lasting battery
- Compatible with hearing aids
- KaiOS app store functionality
- Highly affordable
Cons
- No support for common social media apps
- Poor camera quality
TCL Classic - Most Affordable Flip Phone
What We Like Most:
- As low as $50
- Long-lasting battery
- Bluetooth-compatible
- 8GB of storage
Cost: $74.99 from AT&T or $49.99 from Cricket Wireless
Overview
If you want a regular flip phone without any extras, the TCL Classic is a good choice, retailing for just $49.99 from Cricket Wireless or $74.99 for AT&T. Regardless of the provider you choose, you’ll have access to a 4G LTE network with a high-quality flip phone.
>> Read more: AT&T Senior Plans
Performance
What I appreciated the most about the TCL Classic was its large buttons. According to the American Foundation for the Blind, 12% of people ages 65 to 74 have vision loss, which worsens with age. If you fall into this category, I recommend this phone, not only for its large buttons but also for its large 2.8-inch internal display. I had no issue reading texts or calling my contacts, and I even had access to my web browser, email inbox, and calculator.
Plans
I purchased the TCL Classic from AT&T, which has plans ranging from $50 to $85 a month, all of which include unlimited data. However, with the Value Plus plan, the lowest-cost option, I had slower speeds when the network was busy. I also missed out on some mobile security features like a VPN, which encrypts web traffic on public Wi-Fi networks, and identity monitoring. Still, this pricing is average across the industry, so I was happy with my choices.
If I had purchased the device from Cricket Wireless, unlimited data would have cost the same amount – $50, if I had autopay turned on. I could have also saved money with a 5GB or 10GB plan, costing $30 and $35 a month with autopay. If I wanted a 15GB mobile hotspot, I could’ve paid $55 per month (again, with autopay turned on.)
To learn more about Cricket’s plans, read our guide to Cricket Wireless senior plans.
Drawbacks
Like the Alcatel GO FLIP 4, the TCL Classic has a 2MP camera, while others, like the Cat S22 Flip and the Iris Flip, have 5MP, and the Jitterbug Flip2 goes up to 8MP on its rear camera. If you are interested in taking high-quality photos with your phone, I would not recommend the TCL Classic. Even the “best” photos I took were considerably grainy.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Highly affordable
- Expandable memory
- Compatible with affordable plans
Cons
- Weak camera
- Limited support for apps
Jitterbug Smart4 - Most Affordable Smartphone
What We Like Most:
- Subscriptions start at $25.99 per month
- Order Lyfts by phone
- Care advocate to help you meet your health/wellness goals
- Medical advice available from a doctor or nurse 24/7
Cost: $149.99 from Lively
Overview
The big advantage of the Jitterbug Smart4 is that it combines emergency and medical features with smartphone capabilities. Not only will you get apps, but you’ll also get three rear cameras, allowing for video and photos at a clear 8MP. While the device costs $149.99, the highest price on this list, that’s still a fraction of the cost of similar smartphones from Apple (the iPhone SE, for example, starts at $429.)
Performance
One really cool feature of the Jitterbug Smart4 was the on-call nurse, who I could contact at any time if I wasn’t feeling well, needed a refill, or simply had a medical question. For example, when I was having a persistent headache, I called the nurse and she gave me medical advice, in this case, to take an Advil and a nap. I didn’t have to pay a co-pay, as this feature isn’t related to insurance. Rather, it’s a huge benefit that I only got with the Jitterbug phones, making them a great choice for anyone who wants medical advice.
One of the most useful things about having a smartphone like the Jitterbug Smart4, if you’re anything like me, is using it to map directions. When I was lost on a trip to Philadelphia, I used the Smart4 to enter my destination; it gave me clear directions and a live map, showing me different route options to make it to City Hall. Even the most tech-averse customer would benefit from this user-friendly navigation.
Plans
The Jitterbug Smart4 has the exact same medical and safety plans as the Jitterbug Flip2, as I purchased both devices from Lively. But the biggest difference between the two phones is that with the Smart4, I also had to pay for data. In other words, the plan is in two parts. I chose from the Basic, Preferred, or Premium packages, ranging from $19.99 to $49.99.
- Basic: All plans, including Basic, feature unlimited talking and texting, plus the ability to ask the company if you need help with directions, your phone, etc, and the ability to order a Lyft from Lively’s team over the phone. The Basic Plan is $19.99 per month.
- Preferred: The Preferred Plan lets you set up a circle of people who Lively can notify if you’re in an emergency through smartphone alerts. Additionally, there’s an urgent response button if you need help and can’t manage to do a 911 call. This plan is $39.99 per month.
- Premium: Lastly, the Premium plan includes all the features of the Preferred Plan, plus a 24/7 on-call nurse for medical advice, and the opportunity to work with health experts to create a plan in order to meet your wellness goals. This plan costs $49.99 per month.
Unlike the Flip2, with the Smart4, you’ll also pay a monthly fee for data – $5 for 1GB, $10 for 5GB, or $30 for unlimited data. Considering the industry standard for unlimited data is $50 a month, this is a good deal from Lively.
Drawbacks
Being a true smartphone, the only one of its kind on this list, the Jitterbug Smart4 is also the most expensive item. The device alone costs $149.99, which is about $59 more than the second-most-expensive item, the $99.99 Jitterbug Flip2.
Additionally, if you were looking for a phone you could hold in the palm of your hand, the Smart4 may not be for you, as it is the largest phone on this list, at a height of 6.6 inches and a width of around 3 inches. On average, phones are typically about 4.74 inches high and 2.67 inches wide, so it’s certainly not the sleekest device I’ve ever dealt with.
Pros
- Large, 6.6-inch screen
- Compatible with M3/T4 hearing aids
- Speech to text
- Three rear cameras and one 8MP front camera
Cons
- At $149.99, most expensive device on this list
- Must purchase another plan aside from data, which adds another $19.99 to $49.99 per month
CAT S22 Flip - Most Durable
What We Like Most:
- $79 when purchased through Mint Mobile
- Android operating system
- 5MP camera
- Dust, drop, and water resistant
Cost: $79 from Mint Mobile
Overview
For most of the flip phones on this list, the main selling points are affordability and simplicity. While the CAT S22, is certainly affordable and easy to use, what impressed us most was its durability. It’s rated IP68 in terms of water resistance, and it can withstand drops of 6 feet without incurring damage. There’s a reason it’s the only phone on this list that has obtained a military standard certification for durability.
Performance
To test this phone, we first started with durability. After dropping the S22 into a glass of water, we were able to pull it out and make calls as though nothing had happened. Elsewhere, when we dropped the phone on the sidewalk, we noticed no cracks, damage, or noticeable impacts on its performance.
Speaking of performance, this phone impressed us with its long-lasting battery. In our tests, it gave us 12 hours of talk time and roughly three days on standby. In each of our test calls, we also noticed crystal-clear audio.
Another unique feature of this phone was its Android operating system. This makes it the only fully functional Android flip phone on this list. And while we have to say that using a flip phone keypad to browse the web was not the smoothest experience, we appreciated the ability to utilize apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Gmail.
Plans
The CAT S22 is compatible with a variety of networks, including T-Mobile; however, we think that it pairs best with a plan from Mint Mobile. For seniors, Mint offers a special discounted plan that gives you unlimited talk and text with 5GB of data for $15 per month. While Mint’s unlimited data plans can get expensive, we think that 5GB will be enough for many users, especially since this phone can connect to Wi-Fi, preventing you from using up data while at home.
Drawbacks
Clunky apps aside, the biggest drawback to this phone would have to be its size. Compared to compact phones like the Alcatel Go Flip, this phone is somewhat large and heavy. That said, this is the price you pay for durability.
Pros
- Affordable plans from Mint Mobile
- M3/T3 hearing aid compatibility
- Highly durable
- Android operating system
Cons
- Mediocre camera
- Only 16GB storage capacity
Alcatel Go Flip 4 - Best Hearing Aid Compatibility
What We Like Most:
- Under $60
- Long battery life
- High-quality speakers
- M4/T4 hearing aid compatible
Cost: $54 from Amazon
Overview
The Alcatel Go Flip 4 is an affordable flip phone compatible with T-Mobile, among other networks. Similar to the other flip phones on this list, its main strength is its simple design; however, it also features the KaiOS operating system, giving it access to an array of useful apps.
Performance
The Go Flip 4 is rated M4/T4 in terms of hearing aid compatibility, the highest rating on this list. In our tests, we found the call quality worked exceptionally, even while we used hearing aids. Even without hearing aids, we noticed that the call quality was particularly good here, likely due to this phone’s HD Voice capabilities.
Elsewhere, the Go Flip 4 has the same operating system as the Iris Flip – KaiOS, which has fewer apps compared to the Google Play store and Android operating system of the CAT S22 Flip. Still, I used the flip phone to check my email, update my calendar, and of course, call and text. One thing I really appreciated was the size of the buttons, which would be a great help to those who are wary of touch screens
Plans
Although I bought my Alcatel Go Flip 4 from Amazon, it’s only compatible with T-Mobile (and networks that use their network, like Mint Mobile). Luckily, T-Mobile has some of our favorite phone plans for seniors, starting at $27.50 per month for unlimited talk, text, and 5G data. While this phone only supports 4G data, we still think one of these plans would be a worthwhile option.
>> Read more: T-Mobile Senior Plans
Drawbacks
The biggest drawback of this phone would have to be its camera. Save for the TCL Classic, the Go Flip’s 2MP camera takes images with an abysmal quality. If you’re looking for a better camera, then we’d recommend the Jitterbug Smart4.
To learn more about this phone, read our full Alcatel Go Flip review.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Long battery life
- Basic app functionality
- Compatible with affordable carriers
Cons
- No urgent response button
- No speech to text
- Awful camera
Choosing an Affordable Cell Phone Plan
When choosing a cellular provider, your first step will be to consider your need for data. If you primarily wish to use your phone for talking and texting, then you won’t need much data and can likely use a more affordable plan. If, however, you wish to use your phone to stream music, browse the web, and watch videos or movies, then you’ll likely want a plan with ample data.
Remember, the vast majority of cellular carriers only offer plans with unlimited talk and text, so the primary differentiators between plans will be the amount of data included. For example, Consumer Cellular offers a plan with unlimited talk, unlimited texts, and 1GB of data for $20 per month. Additional data amounts will add to this monthly charge.
Another factor to consider is whether you want to prepay for service or pay on a rolling basis. Gone are the days when wireless providers lock you into multiple-year contracts. Nowadays, the major providers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile don’t require long-term contracts. That said, in many cases, it’s more affordable to pre-pay for service from a provider like Mint Mobile.
For example, Mint Mobile advertises an unlimited talk and text plan for $15 per month; however, this is somewhat misleading as this “monthly” price refers to paying for 12 months of service in one lump sum, roughly $180. Overall, prepaid service usually will be cheaper, but it requires larger upfront payments.
Finally, you’ll want to look for any senior discounts. Many carriers like Consumer Cellular and AT&T offer discounts or special plans for AARP members, while other carriers like T-Mobile and Mint Mobile offer special plans for people ages 55 and older. To learn more about these discounts, read our full guide to senior discounts on phone plans.
Do You Need a Phone with 5G?
If you visit the website of any cellular carrier, you’ll see ample references to “5G” service and networks, but what exactly does this mean?
5G (which stands for fifth generation) is designed to be much faster and more reliable than previous generations of cellular networks (4G, 3G, etc.), with speeds up to 20 gigabits per second (Gbps). This means that you can download movies and other large files in a matter of seconds, and you can stream high-definition video without any buffering.
Simply put, this means that if you frequently use your phone to stream video, download files, or perform other data-heavy tasks that involve the internet, then 5G will be of great importance to you, and you’ll want to find both a 5G-compatible phone and a plan with 5G service.
That said, if you plan to use your phone primarily to make calls and send text messages, you’ll notice little difference between 5G and 4G signal, and the availability of 5G service will likely play little role in your decision making process.
Purchasing Phones from Third-Party Retailers
While every cellular carrier gives you the option to purchase phones from them directly, most providers have a somewhat limited selection. That said, there are a variety of trustworthy retailers like Amazon or Backmarket that sell phones you can pair with a variety of networks.
In many cases, certain phones will be locked to certain networks or prevented from running on others. Because of this, we recommend checking with your cellular provider to make sure a certain model of phone is compatible. Additionally, reputable retailers will be able to tell you which networks their phones are compatible with.
Bottom Line
There may be a stereotype that older adults don’t know how to use smartphones, but the truth is that, according to a survey from the Pew Research Center, 61% of U.S. adults 65 and older own smartphones. That’s a 25% increase from 2018, just three years earlier, so I expect the coming statistics to be even higher.
It’s a fact that smartphones and cell phones generally are not going anywhere, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a ton to get in on the tech. With flip phones, refurbished models, and senior discounts, you can get the tech you need within your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why are cell phones so expensive?
Cell phones can be expensive due to their 5G processing, high-quality cameras, biometric features, and storage. However, not all cell phones are expensive. The cheapest cell phones can cost anywhere from around $50 to $150, but you won’t get the same speeds, camera quality, or additional features.
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What is the best cell phone for under $100?
The best cheap cell phone for under $100 is the Jitterbug Flip2. Not only does it have an 8MP camera, but you can also use the phone to get medical advice, 24/7, from a nurse. This phone combines the capabilities of a phone and a medical alert device, as well, allowing it to contact friends and family automatically if there’s an emergency.
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What is the best cheap cell phone?
The best cheap cell phone is the $49.99 TCL Classic, as it has up to 32 GB of storage, hearing aid compatibility, a camera, and up to 14 hours of 4G LTE talktime.
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Who is the cheapest cell phone provider for seniors?
The cheapest cell phone provider for seniors is Lively. With Lively, data starts at just $5 a month for 1GB. This is a good plan if you need a phone only to text, call, or email. However, for $30 a month, still fairly affordable, you can get unlimited data for activities like getting directions or streaming videos.
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Are cheap smartphones worth it?
Cheap smartphones are definitely worth it, as you can get the same capabilities as much more expensive devices. Although you won’t have fancier features like 4K resolution or biometrics, you will be able to use apps at 4G LTE, typically, which was the standard in the U.S. until around 2019.
