Staying in touch with family

A phone call, a photo, a face on a screen. The tools here make it easier to stay close, whether the person wants big buttons, no menus at all, or photos that just show up.

What to look for

How simple it is to answer and to call out.
Whether calls can connect without the person answering, and who controls that.
The monthly plan. Many simple phones and tablets need one, and the price depends on the plan.
Whether family can manage contacts from far away, and whether the person agrees.

Questions to ask first

Does the person want calls that connect on their own? If not, can that be turned off?
Who manages the contacts and settings?
Does it need Wi-Fi, or does the plan include data?

Good to know

Some devices show a low price with a plan you must keep. The listing shows the regular price and the monthly cost side by side.

Listings for this need

10 listings

Listings are guides. Fit depends on each person's needs.

Smart display or photo frame
Amazon Echo Show 8 (2025, newest model)
by Amazon
What it helps with
A smart display for hands-free video calls, photos, and reminders.
Price
$199.99
Monthly cost
Optional: Alexa+ about $20 a month (included with Prime)
Who it might fit
Families and Providers
Setup effort
Low
Last checked: Oct 21, 2026
See full listing
Smart display or photo frame
Aura Carver 10" Digital Photo Frame
by Aura
What it helps with
A digital frame that shows new photos family members send from their phones.
Price
$149
Monthly cost
None required
Who it might fit
Families
Setup effort
Low
Last checked: Oct 21, 2026
See full listing
Phone, tablet or phone add-on
CapTel 2400i Captioned Phone
by CapTel (Ultratec)
What it helps with
A touchscreen home phone that shows written captions of everything the caller says.
Price
No cost for people with hearing loss who qualify; $75 to buy directly
Monthly cost
None required
Who it might fit
Families
Setup effort
Medium
Last checked: Oct 21, 2026
See full listing
Companion robot
ElliQ
by Intuition Robotics
What it helps with
A tabletop AI companion that talks, gives reminders, and suggests activities.
Price
$39/mo on the 24-month plan ($936) plus one-time $249 lease fee
Monthly cost
About $39 to $59 a month
Who it might fit
Families and Providers
Setup effort
Low
Last checked: Oct 21, 2026
See full listing
Phone, tablet or phone add-on
GrandPad Tablet
by GrandPad
What it helps with
A simple tablet for video calls, photos, and messages on a private family network.
Price
$349 plus plan from $25/mo
Monthly cost
Plus about $25 to $65 a month
Who it might fit
Families
Setup effort
Low
Last checked: Oct 21, 2026
See full listing
App
InnoCaption
by Mezmo Corporation
What it helps with
A free phone app that captions your calls in real time.
Price
Free for eligible users
Monthly cost
None required
Who it might fit
Families
Setup effort
Low
Last checked: Oct 21, 2026
See full listing
Phone, tablet or phone add-on
Jitterbug Flip3
by Lively
What it helps with
A flip phone with big buttons, a loud speaker, and simple menus.
Price
$79.99 plus Lively plan
Monthly cost
Plus about $15 to $35 a month
Who it might fit
Families
Setup effort
Low
Last checked: Oct 21, 2026
See full listing
Phone, tablet or phone add-on
RAZ Memory Cell Phone
by RAZ Mobility
What it helps with
A simple phone with no menus or apps, just photos of the people you call.
Price
$369.00
Monthly cost
Plus about $20 a month after 3 free months
Who it might fit
Families
Setup effort
Low
Last checked: Oct 21, 2026
See full listing
Smart display or photo frame
ViewClix 10/e Smart Frame
by ViewClix
What it helps with
A photo frame that also takes video calls, with settings family can manage from afar.
Price
$199.00 plus Premier membership $9.95/mo
Monthly cost
Plus about $10 a month for video calls
Who it might fit
Families
Setup effort
Low
Last checked: Oct 21, 2026
See full listing
Phone, tablet or phone add-on
VTech SN5147 Amplified Corded/Cordless Phone
by VTech
What it helps with
A home phone that makes voices louder and clearer, with big buttons and an extra-loud ringer.
Price
$114.95
Monthly cost
No maker plan; call blocking needs Caller ID from your phone company (price varies by provider)
Who it might fit
Families
Setup effort
Low
Last checked: Oct 21, 2026
See full listing

Every listing on this page was checked on the date shown. See how we check.

Questions people ask

What is the simplest phone for an older adult?

It depends on the person. Some phones have no menus at all, just photos of the people you call. Others are flip phones with big buttons. Check the plan each one needs.

Can a video call connect without the person answering?

Some devices allow it. Only turn it on with the person's clear yes and only for contacts they choose.

Do digital photo frames have monthly fees?

Some don't. Others need a membership for features like video calls. The listing shows which.