Jitterbug Phone Review with Pros and Cons
Many smartphones are packed with confusing features and hard-to-navigate settings that deter elderly adults from using them. Jitterbug phones are senior-friendly mobile devices with easy-to-see text and simple designs, so seniors don’t have to be tech savvy to use the basic features. The keys are large on the flip phones from Jitterbug, but the phones are still lightweight enough for regular use. Seniors can keep in touch with loved ones and medical providers using a Jitterbug flip phone or exchange texts and photos using the Jitterbug Smart2.
What is Jitterbug?
Jitterbug is a phone service for seniors provided by GreatCall, a California-based company that was established in 2006. Approximately one million customers use GreatCall’s services, which include two Jitterbug phone models and also wearable medical alert systems from Lively. GreatCall acquired Lively in 2015, and Best Buy acquired GreatCall in 2018.
Jitterbug phones stand out among other phones geared toward elderly adults because they have dedicated buttons for emergency calls. Seniors don’t have to browse their contact list or dial 911 if a crisis arises; they just have to press the emergency button. Plan prices vary based on the amount of texts, minutes and data that subscribers use, but they’re generally comparable to prepaid phones from other providers.
Consider a Jitterbug phone if you or a loved one want a medical alert system that does more than track your movements. Jitterbug phones keep you connected with the world, whether you use them to chat with neighbors or share texts with friends across the globe. After researching Jitterbug phones for seniors, we’ve gathered plenty of information to help you decide if a GreatCall product is right for your lifestyle. From features to pricing plans, you can find the facts you need about Jitterbug phones below.
Jitterbug Medical Alert System Features
Senior safety solutions often provide assistance during medical emergencies, but you can also improve and protect other areas of your life with a Jitterbug phone. Subscribers can request roadside assistance if they run out of gas or experience a flat tire, and they can also learn more about medical conditions and symptoms with the phone’s health and safety services. Health services include brain games, daily health tips and weekly wellness calls. Seniors can also monitor their prescribed medications with MedCoach, a service that offers medication reminders and alerts subscribers when it’s time to refill a prescription.
Basic talk and text plans are available for the Jitterbug Flip and the Jitterbug Smart2. Smartphone users can also request a data package if they want internet access. Prices vary for talk, text and data plans based on usage, so seniors can create a monthly subscription that fits their budget.
Jitterbug phones aren’t waterproof, so be careful if you use your phone in the bathroom or on a rainy day. Batteries typically last at least 10 to 24 hours without being recharged, so active seniors can keep in touch with loved ones during long outings.
The volume is loud on Jitterbug phones, so seniors can effectively communicate during calls. The Jitterbug Flip comes equipped with a flashlight and magnifier, and the Jitterbug Smart2 offers a voice-to-text feature that makes keeping in touch with the grandkids simple.
Jitterbug Costs and Plans
Jitterbug Flip plans are available for as low as $14.99 per month, and monthly Smart2 plans start at $19.99. Rates increase based on the packages you choose for texts, minutes and data. Smart2 users can request unlimited texts, minutes and data for $59.99 per month. Seniors who expect to talk on the phone between 250 and 2500 minutes per month can choose plans that cost $14.99 to $29.99. Texting packages begin at $3 per month, and unlimited texting costs $15 per month.
Monthly Minutes | Monthly Texts | Monthly Data |
|---|---|---|
100 Minutes – $5.00 | 500 Texts – $3.00 | 100 MB – $2.49 |
750 Minutes – $10.00 | 1000 Texts – $5.00 | 250 MB – $5.00 |
1500 Minutes – $15.00 | 2500 Texts – $10.00 | 1 GB – $10.00 |
Unlimited Talk and Text – $20.00 | Unlimited Texts – $15.00 | 2.5 GB – $15.00 |
Unlimited Talk, Text and Data – $40.00 | Unlimited Talk, Text and Data – $40.00 | Unlimited Talk, Text and Data – $40.00 |
Some Jitterbug phones require an upfront device fee, and you may also have to pay an activation fee. Long-term contracts aren’t required, so you can choose a monthly subscription without getting locked into a specific package. There are no cancellation fees, so you can leave the company at any time.
Fall detection is not available for Jitterbug phones, but you can purchase Lively products through GreatCall that offer this feature.
Jitterbug Flip | Jitterbug Smart2 |
|
|---|---|---|
Monthly Cost | $14.99 to $39.99 | $19.99 to $59.99 |
Device Type | Mobile | Mobile |
Connection | Cellular | Cellular |
Fall Detection | N/A | N/A |
Battery Life | Varies; 10+ hours for voice calls | Varies; 24 hours with moderate use |
Water Resistant | No | No |
Jitterbug Medical Alert System Devices
The Jitterbug Flip
The Jitterbug Flip is a flip phone from GreatCall for elderly adults. It has minimal features because it’s designed to be a simple means of communication for seniors who dislike the complexity of smartphones. Subscribers can choose from a red or graphite flip phone. Buttons are large and easy to press, and you can talk or text with the Jitterbug flip. The phone also has a 2MP camera so seniors can send snapshots to loved ones. A handy magnifier and flashlight help seniors unlock doors at night or read literature in dimly lit rooms.
The Jitterbug Flip has a monthly fee of $14.99 before you factor in the cost of text, call and data packages.
The Jitterbug Smart2
The Jitterbug Smart2 is a senior-friendly smartphone from GreatCall. The phone has a 13MP camera with flash, so you can take clear, vivid photos. Seniors can explore the smartphone’s list-based menu instead of searching through apps for different options. The Smart2 has a 5.5-inch display for easy viewing. The phone is Bluetooth compatible for hands-free use, and it’s designed to work well with or without a hearing aid.
A Smart2 subscription costs at least $19.99 per month and may jump to approximately $59.99 after you add text, voice and data packages.
Pros and Cons of the Jitterbug Phones Medical Alert System
The Jitterbug Flip and Jitterbug Smart2 have numerous benefits, as does GreatCall, the company that provides these devices for seniors. Many elderly adults are satisfied with the service and features associated with Jitterbug phones, but there are still some drawbacks. Review the pros and cons outlined below before investing in a Jitterbug device for yourself or a special senior in your life.
Jitterbug Pros:
- Easy-to-view screens
- Loud speakers
- Senior-friendly designs and features
- 24/7 access to health services
- Brain games make memory enhancement fun
- Prices are comparable to companies with similar devices
- Customize your monthly subscription cost based on your talk, text and data preferences
- Services are available nationwide as long as seniors have access to a Verizon connection
- Safety solutions include locksmith services and roadside assistance
- GreatCall is a U.S.-based company
Jitterbug Cons:
- Phone batteries typically don’t last for more than a day without being recharged
- Devices are not waterproof
- No options are available for landline users
- Choosing between multiple text, voice and data packages can get confusing
Jitterbug phones help seniors across the United States preserve their independence and stay connected with loved ones. The company’s flip phone and smartphone each offer some health and safety solutions, but seniors specifically seeking a medical alert system may want to get a separate device.