Jitterbug Phone Review

Jitterbug phones from Lively offer user-friendly features tailored to older adults. The Jitterbug Smart3 and Jitterbug Flip2 come with quality audio, big buttons, and large print to make staying in touch easier.

Because these phones are designed for older adults, you can add senior-specific features to your phone plan. Examples include Urgent Care virtual doctor visits, the Lively Link app, and a Personal Operator. And every plan comes with 5Star Service that connects you to an emergency operator who can help you in a scary situation like a medical emergency.

Lively has two Jitterbug phones to choose from: the Jitterbug Flip2 ($99.99) and the Jitterbug Smart3 ($149.99).

You're required to select and talk and text plan for either phone. If you choose the Jitterbug Smart3, you'll also need to choose a data plan, which ranges from $2.49 for 100 MB per month to $30.00 for unlimited data per month.

You can then add an optional Health and Safety Package to either phone's cell phone plan. 

Jitterbug uses Verizon towers, but you don’t need to be a Verizon customer. With a network that big, you’ll have cell service throughout most of the US.

Unlike Verizon’s usual service, you won’t need to sign a long-term contract to use Jitterbug to make a phone call or text. The service sticks with you month to month, but you’ll need to pay for talking minutes, texts, and any data you use each month.

The Jitterbug Flip2 is compatible with hearing aids for users who have trouble understanding conversations on other cell phones (so you won’t have to shout at the pizza person when ordering dinner). And if that’s not enough, switch it to speakerphone for more powerful audio.

If you have vision impairment, its large backlit screen shows large print and a magnifying tool to make reading texts and numbers easier too.

The Jitterbug Flip2 has physical buttons on its keypad (something we’ve missed in the age of the touchscreen), including YES and NO buttons for commands. There’s also an ON/OFF button to remove any mystery of how to activate your phone.

But the best button on the Jitterbug Flip is the Urgent Response Service button. If you opt for one of the Health and Safety plans, this large red button connects you to a Lively operator who can reach emergency services like paramedics or the fire department.

The Jitterbug Flip2 improves on the original Flip with a larger screen and free brain games.

This Jitterbug smartphone sports a simple main menu with large, clear print and backlit screen to make reading easier for older adults.

Like the Jitterbug Flip2, it has a reliable speaker for those whose hearing isn’t what it used to be. From the customer reviews we read, the speaker isn’t as powerful on its own, but switch it to speakerphone, and you’ll be able to hear everything.

The Jitterbug Smart3 can call, text, and even video chat with your contacts. We also like the talk-to-text feature that lets you send messages hands-free.

And its 13 MP camera is on par with name-brand smartphones like those from Samsung and Apple. So you can snap pictures of your next vacation and receive photos from your friends and family.

Like any smartphone, the Jitterbug Smart3 can access the internet. So you can read your email messages, access directions and phone numbers, and read the latest news online. It also has a built-in GPS for directions through the map function.

The optional Health and Safety Plans include additional features that keep you connected to your loved ones and emergency services. The Basic, Preferred, and Ultimate plans all come with 5Star Service and brain games.

Jitterbug comes with its own monitoring professionals who can help you in an emergency, turning your phone into a simple medical alert device. The Flip2 and Smart3 cell phones both have this feature.

If you fall in the kitchen or have any other emergency, press the red star button on your phone. Jitterbug operators will help you through the situation and send first responders to your location.

When you have medical questions or want to see a doctor without the hassle of visiting the hospital, you can use Jitterbug’s Urgent Care feature. With the press of a button, you can connect with a nurse or doctor virtually or over the phone. They can even prescribe you with medication using this feature.

You’ll need the Preferred or Ultimate plan to get Urgent Care on your Jitterbug phone. But if you visit the doctor often or have frequent health questions, it’s a helpful feature to have on hand.

Mental health matters too. Stay sharp (and entertained) with fun brain games built into your Jitterbug phone. Test your memory and spatial skills to keep your mind moving and active. Plus, they’re fun.

These brain games are available on both phones and all three plans.

Lively Link is a service that will keep your closest contacts up to date on your phone usage. If you misplace your phone, forget to charge it, or press the emergency button, Jitterbug will notify them so they can help you out.

This feature is only available with the Preferred and Ultimate plans.

If you need help finding information like addresses or phone numbers, the Personal Operator feature will put you in touch with a professional who can help you.

The Personal Operator feature only comes with the Ultimate plan.

Jitterbug’s parent company Lively has wearable medical alert devices that can help you stay safe while you run errands, go on vacation, or hang out at home.

The Lively Mobile Plus and Lively Wearable 2 are simple wearable devices with GPS capabilities that make it easier for emergency responders to find you in a dangerous situation.

The Lively Mobile Plus clips onto your belt or attaches to a lanyard to be worn as a necklace. It has an optional fall detection feature that calls operators who can help you. We featured it as one of our top picks for Best Medical Alert Necklaces.

The Lively Wearable 2 looks like a smart wristwatch but connects to your existing smartphone via Bluetooth.

If you fall or need help from emergency responders, press the button, and it will connect through your phone to help you. Learn more about the Lively Wearable 2 in our Best Medical Alert Watches review.

The Jitterbug Smart3 and Jitterbug Flip2 come with simple menus, bright backlit screens, and powerful speakers to make them easier to use for older adults. And while they both also come with games, you won’t have to deal with distracting apps and updates hounding you.

Cell phones don’t have to be complicated or distracting to keep you in touch with your loved ones. Jitterbug phones come in two flavors: simple and simpler—giving you the option of a touch-screen smartphone or a classic flip phone that can call for help, receive text messages, and take pictures.

We’ve reviewed Jitterbug’s parent company Lively before, so we already knew the ins and outs of the company’s medical alert devices. To build on this knowledge of our Jitterbug review, we scoured Jitterbug reviews from users to get the inside scoop on these phones for seniors.

Learn more about how we conduct reviews like this one from our SafeWise methodology page.

• Best Cell Phones for Seniors
• Best Wearable Senior Monitors
• Best Medical Alert Necklaces
• Best Medical Alert Watches
• Best Safety Devices for Seniors

1. Federal Communications Commission, “Hearing Aid Compatibility for Wireline and Wireless Telephones,” January 2020. Accessed May 12, 2022.