The 4 Best Voice-Activated Cell Phones for Seniors

Seniors have special needs for their technology, and devices that are built to meet those needs have an edge in the market for older adults. As people age, it can get harder to see small print and use complex new features that come with a steep learning curve. Apps that offer senior-friendly features, such as louder voice output and large print, can be helpful, but there’s really no substitute for a phone designed specifically to be easy for seniors to use.

As Americans age and the senior population grows year over year, the market for senior-friendly devices can only get larger. That’s good news for seniors, who can expect a steadily increasing variety of products built to be useful specifically for them. Voice control is an especially useful feature for seniors to have on their cell phones, as these devices can switch on and respond to commands without users needing to tap small buttons on the screen or even to hold their phone at all. The benefits to seniors with arthritis or who have fallen and are not close to their phones are obvious.

This article reviews some of the best voice-activated cell phones for seniors. It goes over each device’s outstanding features and lists the carriers they are compatible with. Each entry, which uses information available from reliable public information about the device, includes a rough idea of the cost of the phone, drawn either from the manufacturers’ websites or retail listings with a large selection of offerings for sale.

Jitterbug Flip

The Jitterbug Flip is a great choice for seniors who need a voice-activated cell phone at a low price but who don’t want to spring for layers of additional features that inflate the cost. The Jitterbug Flip and the smaller Flip 2 are offered with a pay-as-you-go plan through GreatCall, part of the Verizon network. This helps keep costs low for seniors who may not make many voice calls in a billing cycle and are likely to end the month with unused minutes to roll over.

The simplicity of the Jitterbug Flip works well for seniors by keeping power consumption down. Rather than wasting energy by running a large number of unnecessary apps in the background, which can significantly shorten the battery life, the Flip runs very few applications and stretches a single charge out to an impressive 10 hours of call time. The 1GB storage built into the device can hold up to 1,000 pictures, a list of up to 200 contacts and an archive of the last 50 text messages sent and received.

Jitterbug features specific to the needs of seniors and people with disabilities include extra loud speakers, which can be turned way up for speaker calls, and a convenient emergency button built into the phone’s casing. When activated, the emergency system uses the 5Star emergency service and onboard GPS to establish a location fix and dispatch emergency responders if needed. The voice dial feature lets users call anyone in their contact list by simply speaking their name into the mouthpiece. 

iPad Mini

The iPad Mini is not just a cell phone, but with service from a supported carrier, it can run off of any 5G network in the country. A full suite of Apple-supported apps are available for download to the Mini, and at less than 11 ounces, it’s light enough to be carried just about anywhere. 

Seniors who depend on hearing aids can stream calls directly to their assistive devices rather than using earbuds. Plug-in earphones are also supported through the iPad Mini’s 3.5mm jack. The bright, rich color display is great for displaying pictures and videos, and the built-in camera works well under indoor and outdoor lighting conditions. 

Price is a real issue for the iPad Mini, as it tends to be for many Apple phones and tablets. The basic Mini is offered for $399, but the phone-capable version costs $529. Extra storage capacity is available for an additional $20 in the 256GB edition. 

Moto G7 Play

Going into the 2022 model year, the Moto G7 Play is the least expensive new phone being offered by Motorola. Its relatively simple design offers a no-frills app suite that keeps down the complexity users have to manage. Designed for simplicity and ease of use, the G7 can operate on most networks on a monthly plan, or it can be activated on a pay-as-you-go basis.  

The Moto G7 Play has a decent 13MP camera that can take high-resolution pictures under a wide range of lighting conditions. Seniors with limited hearing can turn the call volume up to 78 decibels, which is high enough to hold a conversation in busy public places. Video and music can stream at volumes as high as 88 decibels. The sound quality for voice calls is generally high, and the low distortion levels limit interference with hearing aids or other assistive devices.

LG Exalt VN220

The LG Exalt VN220 flip phone has a host of features tailored to the needs of seniors with limited hearing and vision. Lightweight and sturdy, the phone can hold up through daily carry, while the 5MP camera is decent for taking pictures by flip phone standards.

The LG Exalt VN220 offers a very basic phone-with-some-extras package in a slim, lightweight frame that works well for active seniors who need very little extra included with their everyday carry phone. The Exalt’s excellent speaker delivers high sound fidelity at reasonably high volumes. The Bluetooth-enabled wireless connects seamlessly with earbuds and other devices, such as a computer soundbar or car speakers. Large and well-spaced buttons are helpful for users whose fingers are less nimble than they used to be or for those who have trouble seeing smaller buttons for rapid text messaging. Text-to-speech helps read messages for visually impaired users.

Unfortunately, the LG Exalt is restricted to operating exclusively on the Verizon network. This is not an issue for some users, but it can be inconvenient for current AT&T or T-Mobile users to switch. The phone’s 5MP camera works well for a flip phone, but image quality suffers when compared with even an average smartphone or tablet.

Who Should Use a Voice-Activated Cell Phone?

Voice-activated cell phones can be very helpful for many seniors, especially if you live by yourself or have trouble getting to the phone when you need it. Reasons to consider specifically requesting a voice activation phone or downloading the appropriate app if your device supports it include:

• Button-free activation while driving or with hands full
• Activation and calling can be done from a distance, without getting up or walking to the phone
• Emergency activation is possible after a fall, even if the phone is across the room

Whether you’re looking for convenience or safety, a voice-activated cell phone might be the best choice for seniors, people with disabilities and older adults who live independently in their own homes. The wide range of offerings, and the generally good selection of nationwide carriers that support them, make it very likely you can find a cell phone that’s right for you.