Button phones are made for calls, text messages and simple everyday use with physical keys, which suits older users, children and anyone who needs a spare phone. Our range has over 150 models: bar phones, clamshell and flip phones, and senior-friendly models with large keys.
Most of them come from Doro, Emporia, Bea-fon, myPhone and Nokia.
How to choose a button phone
Network. Choose a 4G model if you plan to keep the phone for years. In many countries older 2G and 3G networks are being switched off, so a GSM-only phone may eventually lose its signal. Our range includes both 4G (LTE) and 2G models, so check the network specification before you buy.
Form. A bar phone is handy when you want to answer quickly with one hand, while a clamshell protects the keys and screen in a pocket or bag. Our range includes both types. Some clamshell models have an external display that shows the time and the caller's number without opening the phone.
Screen and keys. If eyesight is weaker, a larger screen, a clear font and well-separated keys matter most. Screen sizes in our range run from 2 to 5.45 inches, and a common size is 2.8 inches (7.11 cm) with a 240 x 320 pixel resolution. Models with a 5.45-inch screen and 720 x 1440 pixels show a sharper picture.
Extra features. Phones aimed at seniors often have an SOS button, a loud ringer, hearing aid compatibility and a charging cradle. If you only need calls and texts, the amount of RAM hardly matters: where it is listed in our range, it runs from 30 to 64 MB.
Brands we carry
- Doro: a Swedish maker known for senior-friendly phones with large keys and an assistance button.
- Emporia: an Austrian manufacturer that specialises in simple phones for older users.
- Bea-fon: phones with large keys and a clear menu structure for people who value simplicity.
- Nokia and HMD: Nokia-branded phones are made by HMD, and their button models are known for sturdy construction and long battery life.
- Gigaset: a German manufacturer best known for DECT home phones.
- Panasonic: a Japanese electronics maker that has long produced cordless home phones.
Also in our range: myPhone, Olympia, Blow, AGM and Kruger&Matz.
Button phones: frequently asked questions
Do button phones work on 4G networks?
Yes, some button phones support 4G (LTE). Our range includes both 4G models and 2G-only ones. If you want to use the phone for several years, choose 4G, because 2G networks are being switched off in many countries.
Which button phone is best for an elderly person?
A phone with a large screen, large keys, a loud ringer and an SOS button suits an elderly user best. A charging cradle also helps, because it is easier to put the phone back in place than to plug in a cable. Models like this are made by Doro, Emporia and Bea-fon.
Can you use the internet on a button phone?
Yes, but only to a limited extent. Models with 3G or 4G can connect to the internet, but the screens are small and the RAM is modest, so social media and demanding apps work better on a smartphone. A button phone is best for calls and messages.
What is the difference between a bar phone and a clamshell?
A bar phone is a single block with the keys and screen always exposed, so you can answer a call quickly. A clamshell closes, which stops the keys being pressed in a pocket and keeps the screen from scratching as easily. Some clamshell models also have an external display.
