Jitterbug Phones for Seniors: Plans and Costs in 2024
Combining affordable plans with safety features, Lively is one of the best options for senior cell phones. While the provider currently offers only two phones, either option will be a fit for those in search of simplicity.
Over the years, Jitterbug phones have evolved to offer users intuitive interfaces with surprisingly advanced features. The Jitterbug Flip2 is a modern take on the flip phone, while the Jitterbug Smart4 (and even the Smart3) is ideal for first-time smartphone users.
In this rundown of Jitterbug phones, plans, and costs, we'll take a closer look at each of Lively's cell phones. We'll also examine the different plans available, as well as compare them to the competition.
Pro Tip: A good cell phone is nothing without a quality network to pair it with. Read my rundown of this year’s best senior cell phone plans to find plans from $15 per month.
Jitterbug Plans Compared
Unlike most cellular providers, all three of Lively’s phone plans include unlimited talk and text. The differences between these plans will be the extra wellness features and, in the case of the Smart3 and Smart4, data plans.
Here is an overview of Lively’s three phone plans. Regardless of which Jitterbug model you select, one of these plans will apply.
Jitterbug Plans Comparison
| Basic | Preferred | Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $19.99 | $39.99 | $49.99 |
| Unlimited Talk & Text | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lively Rides | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Urgent Response | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lively Link App | No | Yes | Yes |
| Care Advocate | No | No | Yes |
| Nurse on Call | No | No | Yes |
Lively Plan Features
In addition to talk, text, and data, Lively plans come with some optional features tailored toward older adults:
- Urgent Response: The Urgent Response feature can come in handy in the event of any emergency—medical or otherwise. By pressing the dedicated button at the top of my Smart4’s screen, I was immediately connected to an agent certified by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) who could trace my location and send help if necessary, much like a medical alert system.
- Lively Rides: With Lively Rides, Jitterbug users can contact an operator to arrange Lyft rides; no app is required. The cost of these Lyft rides will be added directly to their monthly bill from Lively.
- Lively Link: The Lively Link app is a great way for caregivers to monitor their loved ones. Using this app on his smartphone, my partner received notifications when I pressed my Urgent Response button. He could also check on my location and the battery level of my Smart4.
- Care Advocate: With the Care Advocate service, Jitterbug Smart4 users can be connected with what Lively calls “Care Advocates.” Personally, from my experience, I’d call them “senior care coaches.” These professionals will conduct an initial screening and help the user create a “Care Plan” encompassing health, financial planning, and personal care.
- Nurse On-Call: One of my favorite wellness features, Nurse On-Call, allowed me to speak directly with registered nurses and doctors who provided me with medical advice and could even prescribe common medications over the phone. Available 24/7, I found this feature to be much more useful than the Care Advocate service. I think that Nurse On-Call is a great way for seniors to answer non-emergency medical questions in a prompt manner. It definitely beats standing in line for Urgent Care or waiting several weeks to schedule a primary care visit.
Lively Data Plans
With the Jitterbug Smart3 or Smart4, you must add a data plan. These range from $0 per month to $30 per month. Remember, this data cost will be in addition to your monthly base plan costs. You'll also want to keep in mind that Lively will levy overage charges in the event that you exceed your monthly data allowance.
Jitterbug Data Plan Cost
| Monthly data allowance | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| 1 GB | $0 |
| 5 GB | $5 |
| 10 GB | $15 |
| Unlimited | $30 |
Lively Overage Charges
Unlike Consumer Cellular, which will automatically upgrade your service plan in the event that you go over your monthly allowance, Lively will charge you for the overage. Each additional MB of data will cost $0.10. Luckily, every Lively plan has unlimited talk and text, so you won’t have to worry about overage charges for minutes or messages.
In terms of calls, users may make calls anywhere in the continental U.S. or Canada for no additional charge. With that said, calls made to Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or Mexico will cost an additional $0.20 per minute.
Jitterbug Flip2
At $99.99 (plus activation), the Jitterbug Flip2 is the more affordable of Lively’s two device options, and with its classic flip phone design, it’s also the more simplistic model. For the user looking to make calls, send text messages, and snap the occasional photo, the Jitterbug Flip2 is ideal. With its large buttons, voluble speaker, and sizable screen, this phone is a breeze to use. Additionally, this phone boasts an M4/T4 rating for hearing aid compatibility.
Despite the Jitterbug Flip2’s simple appearance, it is also capable of some advanced features not seen in the average flip phone. On the outer edge of the handset, you’ll find a dedicated Urgent Response button. When pressed, this button will connect you to a Lively monitoring agent who will assess your situation and contact a loved one or emergency services if necessary.
The one downside of the Jitterbug Flip2 would have to be its 2-megapixel camera. While it can certainly capture images in a pinch, it lacks the clarity and resolution of the camera on the Jitterbug Smart3. Still, as far as flip phone cameras go, this one is about par for the course.
To learn more about this phone, read our full Jitterbug Flip2 review.
Jitterbug Flip2 Video Review
Jitterbug Smart3
Lively’s response to the fact that more and more seniors are getting in on the mobile movement, the Jitterbug Smart3 features larger text and icons and is the company’s biggest smartphone. The phone comes with everything users know and love from the Jitterbug name, including the preloaded Urgent Response feature, as well as an easy-to-use menu layout. And did we mention that the Jitterbug Smart3 also includes mobile internet access from anywhere at any time?
Starting at $74.99 plus activation fees, the Jitterbug Smart3 is also one of the most affordable smartphones out there. Voice typing, a built-in camera, a handy usage meter, and a long-lasting battery round out the list of reasons why this Jitterbug is a “smart” choice for today’s connected users.
As with the Jitterbug Flip2, users choose between Lively plans aimed at meeting their individual needs that are free of annual contracts, cancellation fees, and other unnecessary expenses. With the Jitterbug Smart3, plans start as low as $19.99 per month in addition to data plans, which are required.
Jitterbug Smart3 Video Review
Jitterbug Smart4
Lively’s latest model, the Jitterbug Smart4, builds upon the success of the Smart 3 with a faster processor, larger screen, and higher-quality cameras. Pretty much anything you can do with the latest Android operating system can be done with the Jitterbug Smart4.
At $149.99, this phone costs a bit more than its predecessor; however, for those seeking a phone with double the battery life and faster speeds, the Smart4 is worth the cost of entry, especially when you compare it to other smartphones on the market.
To learn more about our experience with this phone and how it improves upon the Jitterbug Smart3, read our full Jitterbug Smart4 review.
Jitterbug Smart4 Video Review
Bottom Line
While modern cell phones have a reputation for being beyond the capabilities of older adults, the Jitterbug lineup proves that this is not the case. With a combination of simplicity, wellness features, and affordable service plans, each Lively device is tailored to keep seniors connected to their loved ones with little hassle.
To learn more about the best cell phones for seniors, be sure to check out our helpful guides:
Lively Frequently Asked Questions
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How is the Jitterbug Smart4 different from the Smart3?
The Jitterbug Smart4 has a larger screen, higher-quality cameras, and a longer-lasting battery. In our experience, the Smart4 also operated more smoothly than the Smart3.
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How is Lively Urgent Response different from similar medical alert services?
Much like a mobile medical alert system, Lively’s Urgent Response feature gives you peace of mind anywhere you go. Unlike a medical alert system, however, this service is not confined to medical emergencies, as it can also be used to contact roadside assistance; however, this service does not include fall detection on Lively phones.
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What makes the Jitterbug Flip2 so easy to use?
Through a combination of large buttons, a bright screen, and an intuitive menu design, the Jitterbug Flip2 is designed to have no learning curve whatsoever. Additionally, it’s accessible to people with vision and hearing impairments.
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Is the Jitterbug Smart4 hearing aid compatible?
The Jitterbug Smart3 has a hearing aid compatibility rating of M4/T4, the highest rating possible. This ensures that nearly any hearing aid can continue to work without static while using the Jitterbug Smart3.
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Do I have to sign a contract for Lively service?
The longest commitment you’ll have to make with Lively is for just one month. By paying for your service on a monthly basis, you will never be asked to sign a long-term agreement.
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Are roaming and long-distance calls included with Lively?
Regardless of your Lively service plan, you will never be charged extra for long-distance calls or roaming.
