If you’ve looked into phones for seniors at all, you’ve probably heard the name Jitterbug. The brand has been around for over 15 years and has gone through a few identity changes — GreatCall, then Jitterbug, now Lively (owned by Best Buy Health). The names changed but the idea hasn’t: make phones that are actually built for older adults, not just regular phones with bigger fonts slapped on.
We get asked about Lively more than any other brand in our inbox. People want to know if it’s worth the money, if the emergency button actually works, and how it stacks up against just getting a cheap phone from Consumer Cellular. Fair questions, all of them.
David tested both the Flip2 and Smart4 side by side for three weeks. The short version: the hardware is genuinely good, the safety features are real (not just marketing), and the plans are reasonable — though you’ll pay more than bare-bones carriers if you want the full safety package. We break it all down below.
Not sure if Lively is the right fit? Email us at [email protected] and tell us what matters most — we’ll give you our honest pick.
About Lively
Lively, operating under Best Buy Health, was founded with a singular focus: creating phones that make wireless communication accessible, safe, and simple for seniors. Originally known as GreatCall, the company rebranded to Lively. Both the devices and the service plans reflect this mission.
Lively operates on Verizon’s nationwide 4G LTE network, providing strong coverage across the US.
Lively Devices
Lively Flip2
The Flip2 is Lively’s flagship flip phone and one of the best-designed senior phones available. It strips away smartphone complexity while keeping everything a senior needs: a large bright screen, physical buttons, a loud speaker, and an emergency response button.
Key specs:
- 3.2” color display
- Physical numeric keypad with backlit buttons
- 90dB amplified speaker (extremely loud)
- M4/T4 hearing aid compatible
- 8MP camera
- Dedicated Urgent Response button on bottom edge
- 10-hour talk time battery
- IP54 splash-resistant rating
- 4G LTE on Verizon network
- Amazon Alexa built in
Cost: $79.99 (+ $35 activation fee)
Lively Smart4
The Smart4 is Lively’s senior smartphone. It runs Android but replaces the standard interface with a simplified, tile-based home screen that anyone can learn quickly. It’s ideal for seniors who want smartphone capabilities — video calls, GPS, apps — without the complexity of a standard Android device.
Key specs:
- 6.58” HD+ display
- Simplified tile-based home screen
- Urgent Response button
- Built-in magnifier and flashlight from home screen
- Amazon Alexa integration
- 13MP rear camera
- IP68 waterproof
- 4G LTE on Verizon network
Cost: $119.99 (+ $35 activation fee)
Lively Service Plans
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Talk | Text | Data | Safety Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | $14.99 | 300 min | Unlimited | None | None |
| Preferred | $24.99 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB | None |
| Premium | $34.99 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Included | Urgent Response + Nurse On-Call |
Urgent Response (Premium Plan)
Press the dedicated button and you’re immediately connected to a trained, US-based live agent who is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The agent can:
- Dispatch fire, police, or ambulance
- Contact your designated emergency contacts
- Stay on the line until help arrives
- Provide support in non-emergency stressful situations
Nurse On-Call (Premium Plan)
Speak with a registered nurse at any hour of the day. Ask questions about symptoms, medications, when to seek care, and how to manage a health condition. This feature alone can be invaluable for seniors managing complex health situations.
Additional Lively Features
Lively Link — A free app for family members. Shows the senior’s location, phone battery level, and recent Urgent Response call history. Available for iOS and Android.
Lively Rides — Transportation requests powered by Lyft, accessible directly from the Lively phone. Available with the Premium plan.
Care Advocate — A dedicated personal health advocate who can help schedule appointments, understand treatment options, and navigate healthcare systems.
Is Lively Right for You?
Lively is an excellent choice if:
- You want a phone designed from the ground up for seniors
- Peace of mind from an emergency response button is important
- You or a loved one lives independently and would benefit from safety monitoring
- You prefer a simple interface without smartphone complexity
It may not be the right fit if:
- You want to bring your existing phone (Lively requires their own devices)
- Budget is the primary concern (Consumer Cellular’s plans start cheaper)
- You need a wide variety of plan options