More older Americans than ever are looking to stay connected with friends, family, and the outside world by using a cell phone. In fact, senior citizen smartphone use has more than doubled in the past 5 years.

But what if you’re worried about figuring out the technology of smartphones and you just want a simple mobile phone? We’re going to help you find the best option for you, whether that’s a basic cell phone for seniors or something more complex.

Start with the Right Cell Phone Plan

Before you even start figuring out which cell phone would work best for your needs, you should consider which companies offer the optimal coverage in your area. After all, you don’t want to get stuck with a mobile phone that doesn’t work!

You can begin by asking neighbors and nearby family members about their experience with mobile networks. Every cell phone company should also provide a “coverage map” where you can take a look at your zip code to see if you’ll get service.

Here are some other things to think about when choosing a cell phone plan:

Senior Discounts: Be sure to ask sales representatives at any cell phone company (big or small) if they provide discounts for veterans, members of AARP, or people over the age of 55.

Data Usage: If you plan to go with a smartphone that requires mobile data for browsing the Internet while on the go, you want to make sure you’ll get enough with your plan.

Family Plans: If you have a spouse or adult child that already has a cell phone plan, you might be able to save quite a bit of money each money by simply being added to their account.

Budget Smart: Most cell phone companies charge more per plan for smartphones. If all you’re looking for is a basic cell phone for seniors, you could save around $50 a month by going with a flip phone, instead of a smartphone.

Select a Senior-Friendly Cell Phone

Now that you know what to look for to get the best cell phone plan for your needs, it’s time to talk about how to find the right mobile phone for you. Check out these quick tips on what to look for in your perfect cell phone…

Phone Type: You’ll have to choose between either a smartphone or a flip phone. If you want to be able to play games and browse the Internet, you should go with a smartphone. Planning to only make calls and send texts? You should opt for a flip phone.

Desired Features: Create a list of the things that are important to you in a cell phone. This could be extended battery life, a bright screen, GPS technology, or buttons that are easy to see and press.

User Reviews: Once you’ve found a few cell phones you like, make sure to read reviews on all of them. You’ll be able to see what other seniors have to say about using each cell phone every day, and could help to prevent you from wasting your money if it has poor reviews.

Return Policy: Make sure that whatever cell phone you choose has a reasonable return policy, just in case it doesn’t work out for you, after all. You should work with a cell phone company that allows returns for at least 14 days.

Trial Run: Once you get your new cell phone, make sure to take it for a thorough test drive within the first couple of days. If you have trouble pressing the buttons, hearing the ringer, or can’t clearly see what’s on the screen, you should return it for a better option.

5 of the Best Cell Phones and Plans for Seniors

We know choosing a cell phone and a matching plan can be tough! So to help you find the best option for a mobile device and service, we’ve gathered up some of the top picks for 2019.

Here are 5 of the most popular cell phones and plans for seniors:

1. GreatCall Jitterbug Smart2

This smartphone for seniors has great reviews, is hearing aid compatible, an instant connection to urgent care services, and excellent senior safety features. The Jitterbug Smart2 from GreatCall should definitely be at the top of your list of the best cell phones for seniors! You can get this phone for around $110 with monthly service plans as low as $15.

2. GreatCall Jitterbug Flip

If you’re looking for the best basic cell phone for seniors on the market, you’ve found it in the Jitterbug Flip. Senior-friendly features include large buttons, a bright screen with a built-in magnifier, on-demand emergency medical services, and a powerful speaker. Your service can be as low as $15 a month and the device is priced at $75.

3. Consumer Cellular Doro 7050

This basic flip phone offers a reliable way to stay connected. The Doro 7050 has bright keys that are spaced far enough apart for quick texting and an easy-to-read display that makes it a great choice for those with impaired vision. You can get the phone for $50 from Consumer Cellular and plans start at $20 per month.

4. AT&T Senior Nation Cingular Flip 2

Another good option for a flip phone for seniors, the LG B471 from AT&T Senior Nation offers web browsing, multimedia messaging, and a text to speech mode. You can purchase this phone for $60 and you’ll get 200 anytime minutes and unlimited calls to other AT&T customers for $30 per month.

5. T-Mobile Unlimited 55+ REVVL 2

If you’re looking for a cell phone for you and your spouse, you might want to take a closer look at the T-Mobile 55+ plan and their senior-friendly REVVL 2 phones. You’ll pay $168 for each phone but will get two lines with unlimited talk, text, and data for $60 a month, which makes this a good choice for retired couples.