SafeHome.org may receive compensation from some providers listed on this page. Learn More
We may receive compensation from some providers listed on this page. Learn More
Lively’s flip phone has a large screen, big buttons, and a built-in panic button, but does it offer good bang for your buck?
Updated June 19, 2026
copied!
Editor's Note: Not into flip phones? Lively has launched the newest iteration of the Jitterbug smartphone, the Smart4. In addition to all of the Smart3’s great features, the Smart4 offers a larger touch screen and improved voice commands.
Many older adults aren’t looking for the latest AI-powered features or a cutting-edge camera system. What they actually want is a reliable, no-fuss phone with large text, simple menus, and easy access to the people and services they depend on most.
The Jitterbug Flip2 and Smart4 are built with exactly that in mind — accessibility over complexity, with plans that include practical perks like medication reminders and on-call nurse consultations. Here’s a full breakdown of what Lively offers so you can decide whether it’s the right fit for you or a loved one.
>> Compare: The Best Medical Alert Systems of 2026
Lively products are available for purchase in-store, over the phone, or on the Lively website. We bought our phones off the website, which we think is the easiest option. The product pages have everything you need to make a decision about the right device for your needs.
Lively’s website guides you through each purchasing step. We selected our service plan, chose a data package, and added everything to our cart. The site also offers optional accessories like tempered glass screen protectors and protective cases, though we decided to skip those extras.
If you get stuck, Lively’s customer service team is available by phone. Alternatively, you can visit Best Buy to see the phones in person. This can be useful if you want to get hands-on with the product before committing.
FYI: Lively can transfer your existing phone number to its network. It shouldn’t take long: The FCC requires that phone number transfers be completed within one business day from when the new service begins.2
Setting up a Lively phone is simple and quick. We just followed the on-screen prompts to create a 4-digit PIN and connect to our Wi-Fi network. After activating, Lively added an activation fee to our first month’s bill. The entire setup process took us about 10 minutes from start to finish.
Once your phone is activated, you can personalize your Lively device. Each Lively manual includes instructions for advanced setup options, such as recording a custom voicemail greeting or changing your ringtone.
>> Find Out: How to Turn Your Old Phone Into a Home Security Camera
Lively phones are built around ease of use for seniors, with technology that stays approachable even for those who didn’t grow up around computers. The user-friendly design holds up well too, whether you’re dealing with diminished eyesight or hearing, or hands that aren’t as steady as they used to be.
Did You Know: A Lively phone can detect falls and call for help automatically when synced to a Lively medical pendant. You can learn more about this in our Lively phone review.
The Lively Flip2 features backlit, extra-large dialing buttons, while the Smart4 displays a simplified menu in a large, easy-to-read font. For users on a phone plan with medical monitoring, getting help is as simple as pressing the big red Urgent Response button on either device, which connects to emergency personnel within seconds.
On size and portability, we found the Smart4 a bit bulky for pants pockets, especially with a protective case attached. If a phone that’s easier to carry on the go matters more to you, the foldable Flip2 is the better pick.
Pro Tip: If size is a concern, we recommend looking into traditional (but highly effective) mobile alert units, like those offered by Bay Alarm Medical.
The Urgent Response service is Lively’s one-button connection to agents certified by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. It’s available on the Preferred and Premium plans and is designed for both emergency and nonemergency situations. You can call for anything from forgetting your medicine while traveling to needing an ambulance dispatched. In fact, if you call 911 on the Flip2 or Smart4, Lively agents can join the call to share your location and medical history, ensuring you receive better, more informed assistance.
For medical advice, you’ll need the premium plan. With it, you can call for an immediate connection to a certified nurse who can answer medical questions and help coordinate prescription refills. Both the Preferred and Premium plans also assist in emergencies.
>> Compare: Best Medical Alert Systems of 2026
We’ve always liked Lively customer service and have just one complaint: their limited hours. However, since we last tried their products, Lively customer service has become more accessible.
You’ll be able to reach out for help by phone from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET on weekends. If you’d rather not call, you can submit an online form instead. In our experience, we received a helpful email response within a couple of hours of submitting a query. Not bad at all.
FYI: Lively agents are based in the U.S., which is a business decision we can appreciate.
Obviously, it’s important to know the terms when you sign up with a new phone or medical alert system. Fortunately, Lively lets you pay month-to-month without requiring a long-term commitment. This is standard practice in the industry, especially for brands that require an upfront equipment purchase such as Lively.
Here’s a breakdown of the current plans with the paperless billing discount included. Keep in mind it’s an extra $5 per month if you prefer a physical bill mailed to you.
| x | Basic | Preferred | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ask Lively | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lively Rides | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Urgent Response | No | Yes | Yes |
| Nurses On-Call | No | No | Yes |
| Cost Per Month for Flip2 | $14.99 | $34.99 | $44.99 |
| Cost Per Month for Smart4 | $19.99 | $39.99 | $49.99 |
If you order and aren’t happy with your Lively phone, you can return it within 30 days for a refund, minus a $10 restocking fee. The only “catch” is that you might not be refunded for talk, text, or data usage, depending on how much you’ve used. We think that’s fair.
Lively has two phones: the Jitterbug Flip2 and Jitterbug Smart4. The main difference, besides the design, is that the Smart4 connects to the internet. But, both models include access to all of Lively’s services like Urgent Response and on-call nurses.
As you can see below, the Flip2 resembles classic flip phones from the early 2000s. The device is best for seniors who don’t need internet access and just want something they can use to text or call. You’ll also notice that the Flip2 has an extra button for access to Lively’s 24/7 emergency help service.
We found the Jitterbug Flip2 phone to be more pocket-friendly than the Smart4.
The Flip2 has some other bonus features like a hearing aid-compatible speaker, oversized keypad for easy dialing, and 16 GB of storage. That’s plenty of room for photos, which can be taken from the 8 MP rear camera or 5 MP front camera. Additional features include:
The most advanced Lively phone, the Smart4, is an Android smartphone featuring a 6.75-inch touch screen that makes texting, gaming, and watching videos a breeze. However, its larger size does sacrifice some portability compared to the Jitterbug Flip2. It’s not quite as pocket-friendly for on-the-go use.
The Jitterbug Smart4 screen size is perfect for tech-savvy seniors.
Like Jitterbug Flip2, Smart4 is hearing aid-compatible and allows dialing and texting by voice. It’s also preloaded with brain games, and you can download more apps from Google Play. We also like that it has a 13 MP camera and 32 GB of storage.
Something to Note: Studies suggest that playing video games can help older adults enrich their memory functions, helping prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.2
The phone costs $119.99, but you’ll also need a cellular data plan. All plans come with 1 GB per month, which is why they cost $5 more per month than non-cellular plans. From there, you can expand your data limit for an extra fee of up to $30 per month for unlimited data. Some other features include:
Like other cell phone companies, Lively sells chargers, screen protectors, and other accessories. It’s nice to have options for customizations and personalizing your phone. So, we appreciate the lineup of add-ons and accessories that Lively offers. Here are upgrade options for Jitterbug Flip2 and Jitterbug Smart4.
| Lively Add-Ons & Accessories | Price |
|---|---|
| Smart4 Screen Protector | $19.99 |
| Extra Wall Charger | $24.99 |
| Stereo Earphones | $24.99 |
| Bluetooth Headset | $39.99 |
| Smart4 Dual Layer Hard Shell Case | $24.99 |
| Smart4 Wallet Case | $39.99 |
The big red button on the Flip2 and Smart4 isn’t just a feature—it’s a gateway to a range of services designed specifically for seniors. Lively’s plans include:
Together, these features make the Flip2 and Smart4 more than just phones—they’re tools for safety, support, and peace of mind.
>> Check Out: Best Medical Alert Watches in 2026
While Lively focuses on mobile phones, they also offer the wearable Mobile2 pendant, a good choice if you already have a phone you like. But how does it stack up against other leading brands like Bay Alarm Medical and Medical Guardian?
Bay Alarm Medical provides a broader selection of devices, including pendants, wristbands, and smartwatches. Their at-home systems do not require an upfront equipment fee, which can offer better value for some users. Additionally, we find their fall detection to be one of the most accurate in the industry.
>> Learn More: Bay Alarm Medical Review 2026
When reviewing Medical Guardian, we found its equipment is comparable to Bay Alarm Medical’s, but typically at a higher price point. Monthly service fees range from $27.95 to $46.95, with fall detection for any system adding $10 per month. On the upside, there’s no activation fee — unlike Lively, which charges a one-time $35 setup fee.
We believe the best way to recommend medical alert systems is by using them ourselves. Our team spends weeks or even months rigorously testing devices on criteria like design, cellular service quality, and compatibility with other medical alert equipment.
Our team looked at multiple factors when assessing medical alert systems. Some of the additional criteria we looked at include:
Our team of senior care experts conducted all tests on the medical alert systems. They have over 50 years of combined experience in the industry and know exactly what to look for when evaluating this equipment. We also spoke with industry experts and real customers to gather insights on how they use their devices day-to-day.
Overall, we found Lively to be a budget-friendly brand offering excellent phone solutions for seniors. The Flip2 is ideal for those who prefer simplicity and minimal tech, while the Smart4 works well for grandparents who enjoy staying connected online. In testing, our main complaint was slower data processing, but otherwise, both devices deliver solid value as reliable phones designed specifically with seniors in mind.
The Jitterbug Flip2 retails for $79.99 and the Jitterbug Smart4 costs $119.99. You’ll also need to pay a one-time activation fee of up to $35, plus your first month of service, which varies based on the plan you choose. The Flip3 and Smart5 cost the same amount, although the Smart5’s basic talk and text plan costs slightly more than the Smart4.
There are no setup fees but Lively charges a $35 activation fee per device. You can sometimes find promotions that waive this fee if you call during specific sales events.
If you run out of data, you’ll be charged $0.02 per MB for the remainder of the billing cycle.
Yes, you can use your current phone with any Lively plan including their plans with Urgent Response. That lets you turn almost any compatible smart phone you own into a medical alert device.
Yes, you can switch or cancel plans anytime. There are no long-term contracts. You’ll need to call the customer service team to discuss your options.
FCC. (2020, March 9.) Porting: Keeping Your Phone Number When You Change Providers..
https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/porting-keeping-your-phone-number-when-you-change-providers
Clemenson GD, Stark SM, Rutledge SM, et al. (2020.) Enriching hippocampal memory function in older adults through video games.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0166432820303661?via%3Dihub
WPTV.com. Smink, S. (14 May, 2018). Why 911 Can’t Always Find You If You Call from a Call Phone.
https://www.wptv.com/news/local-news/investigations/why-911-cant-always-find-you-if-you-call-from-a-cell-phone
GooglePlay. (Accessed 2025, June). Lively Link: Ratings and Reviews.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.greatcall.link&hl=en_US
GlobalNewsWire. (2016, August 30.) Lively and Lyft Solve Transportation Issues for Seniors Using Personal Operators.
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2016/08/30/1129775/0/en/GreatCall-and-Lyft-Solve-Transportation-Issues-for-Seniors-Using-Personal-Operators.html
