Prices are from TTfone directly. Click any phone to see all SIM and charger options available. Affiliate disclosure: GadgetRank earns commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.
Why choose a simple phone?
Large buttons and simple menus mean no frustration. Make calls and send texts without searching through apps.
Simple phones last days on a single charge — no need to worry about running out of battery.
Starting from under £20, simple phones offer reliable communication without the cost of a smartphone.
Many TTfone models include a dedicated SOS button for peace of mind — ideal for elderly relatives living alone.
What is a simple phone and who needs one?
A simple phone — also called a big button phone or senior phone — is a mobile designed to be as straightforward as possible. Large physical buttons, a clear bright display, simple menus and long battery life. No app stores, no complicated settings, no touchscreen to navigate.
Simple phones are popular with older adults, people with vision or dexterity difficulties, young children who just need to make calls, or anyone who wants a second phone purely for calls and texts without distractions.
All phones listed on this page are from TTfone — one of the UK's most established simple phone brands, selling through retailers including Amazon, Argos and their own store since 2006.
TTfone vs smartphones — which is right?
The right choice depends entirely on what the phone needs to do. If the person needs to make calls, send texts, and be reachable in an emergency — a TTfone is the better choice. If they want WhatsApp, video calls with family, or internet access — a budget smartphone is more appropriate.
What to look for when buying a simple phone
4G support — 3G has been switched off across most of the UK. Any new simple phone must support 4G or it will not work. All TTfone models sold here support 4G.
Button size — check the button dimensions if buying for someone with arthritis or reduced dexterity. The TTfone TT190 has some of the largest buttons available on a UK handset.
SOS button — a dedicated emergency button calls a pre-set contact. The TT190 and TT890 both include this. Essential for elderly relatives living alone.
WhatsApp compatibility — if the priority is video calls with family, choose a 4G model with WhatsApp support (TT970, TT280). These run a simplified version of Android and support WhatsApp natively.
Screen size — larger screens are easier to read. The TT890 has a 2.8" screen. The TT970 has a larger screen with bigger text options.
What SIM card do I need?
TTfone phones are sold SIM-free — you need to add a SIM separately. For most simple phone users, a pay-as-you-go or low-cost monthly SIM is the best option. You don't need data — just calls and texts.
1pMobile on EE's network is an excellent choice — the 1p tariff (pay as you go) costs as little as 1p per minute for calls and 1p per text. For light users, this can cost as little as £1-2 per month. The 5GB bundle at £5/month is ideal if you want data for WhatsApp or basic browsing.
Frequently asked questions
Are TTfone phones 4G?
Yes — all current TTfone models support 4G. This is important because 3G has been switched off by all major UK networks. Older simple phones bought before 2022 may not work on today's networks — if in doubt, replace them with a 4G model.
Can my elderly parent use WhatsApp on a simple phone?
Some TTfone models support WhatsApp — the TT970 and TT280 run Android Lite and support WhatsApp video calls. The more basic models (TT190, TT150) are calls and texts only. If WhatsApp is important, choose a 4G Android model like the TT970.
What is the best simple phone for the elderly in the UK?
For pure simplicity and an SOS button, the TTfone TT190 is our top pick — it has the largest buttons, a bright display and a dedicated emergency button. For someone who also wants WhatsApp, the TT970 offers the best balance of simplicity and features.
How much does it cost to run a simple phone per month?
For light use, as little as £1-2 per month on 1pMobile's pay-as-you-go tariff. For a bit more flexibility, the 5GB monthly bundle from 1pMobile is £5/month with unlimited calls and texts on EE's network. There are no contracts — cancel or change any time.