



While smartphones rule the market, they’re not without their downsides.

Between the cost of data packages and the price of the phones themselves, staying up to date isn’t exactly cheap.

That’s not to mention the indirect costs -- the endless distractions, annoying notifications, or the fact that many of the big tech companies allegedly monitor nearly everything you do on your phone.

With these things in mind, people are starting to switch back to the phones of yesteryear…

Whether you call them basic phones, dumb phones, feature phones, or non-smartphones, this guide is going to break down some of the best options available.

Editor’s Note: This post has been updated for 2020

Our Picks

1. Alcatel GO FLIP MC

Best Stylish Flip Phone





Pros: Minimalist, sleek design, Easy to read front panel, microSD support, 4G support

Cons: Weak speakerphone, dim display

Featuring a rounded, matte plastic shell and a small screen on the front so you don't have to open the phone to check your notifications, the Alcatel GO FLIP MC design is simple but effective.

The 2.8-inch main display is good enough. It's no smartphone display. But since you won't be tapping it all the time and you have a physical keyboard it's not as big of a deal as it might seem.

The phone 4GB of internal storage. However, only about 1GB if free to use. If you’d like to listen to music or podcasts, you’ll need a microSD card. However, support for cards up to 32GB provides more than enough room for a few albums or seasons.

There's also a headphone jack -- a feature that can be hard to find in basic phones.

Don't expect much from phone's 2MP camera. It might as well not be there unless you just need a quick snapshot as a reminder or to ask someone a question.

While the phone is a feature phone, it fully supports 4G LTE and Wi-Fi tethering. This makes it easy to find coverage and provides a little added convenience.

Bottom Line...

If you’re looking for a flip phone that doesn’t look like it’s from a museum, the Alcatel GO FLIP MC is offers solid looks at an affordable price.

Get It From: Alcatel

Learn More: Full Review

Related Guide: The Best Flip Phones





2. Sonim XP3

Best Rugged Basic Phone





Pros: Rugged, Long battery life, 4G support, microSD support, MIL 810G rated, IP68 rated

Cons: Price, Limited availability

While pricier than other “basic” phones, the Sonim XP3 is one of the most rugged basic phones available. MIL 810G rating brings shock, temperature, and corrosion resistance while IP68 rating means you should have little to worry about from water and dust.



Ideal for those with active lifestyles or who need something that can take a few drops and dings, it features a grippy, rubberized shell and a durable flip phone design.

The 2.6-inch color display makes it easy to read texts while the chunky buttons make sure you dial accurately -- even with gloves on.

Reviewers particularly liked the volume pumped out by the speaker on the phone with a rating of 100db. Whether you’re taking calls or jamming out to your favorite tracks, you’ll have no trouble hearing.

Lastly the phone offers 8GB of internal storage and supports microSD cards up to 128GB. In combination with the included media player, you can store a nice collection of podcasts or music.

If you’re looking for all of the media flexibility, connectivity, and communications options of a smartphone without the actual “smarts” this one is a great pick as long as you don't mind using Telus.

Bottom Line...

While it comes at a premium price, the Sonim XP3 is up the challenges of life on the go or the harshest job sites and includes all the communications essentials.

Get It From: Telus

Learn More: Full Review

Related Guide: The Best Rugged Phones





3. Nokia 3310 3G

Best Basic Phone for Music and Podcast Lovers





Pros: Good battery life, FM Tuner, microSD support, Quad-band, 3.5mm and Bluetooth

Cons: No Wi-Fi, No GPS, No 4G support

Featuring the classic candybar shape and look of the classic 3310, the Nokia 3310 3G offers a nostalgic experience with all of the basics.

The 1200mAh battery is one of the largest in this round-up. And as a quad-band phone, it’s compatible with networks across the globe.

WIth support for microSD cards up to 32GB, an FM tuner, and both Bluetooth and a 3.5mm jack, the Nokia 3310 makes a great media playback device.

The 1.5-inch display is one of the smallest in this collection. However, reviewers had no trouble with hammering out a quick text or viewing notifications.

There’s also a 2MP camera, but without Wi-Fi you’re left with few options for actually making use of the photos.

Bottom Line...

With support for both Bluetooth and wired headphones, expandable storage, and plenty of battery life, the Nokia 3310 3G provides everything you need to keep in touch and enjoy your favorite music and podcasts without worrying about searching for an outlet in an hour or two.

Get It From: Best Buy

Learn More: Full Review





4. Jethro SC318v2

Best Basic Phones for Kids and Seniors





Pros: Large easy-to-read buttons, Quick dial buttons, SOS feature, Charging dock, FM Tuner

Cons: So-so sound quality, Cheaper-feeling plastic design

The Jethro SC318v2 offers a basic phone experience at an affordable price.

The phone’s curved design offers a retro-inspired feel while the large text on the display makes it easy to read call notifications and texts. The large buttons make it easy to dial numbers, though unless you’re used to T9 input, it’s not ideal for texts.

It features an SOS function as well as multiple speed dial keys for easy access to frequent numbers. There’s also an FM tuner and flashlight features.

Lastly, the charging dock means no fiddling with extra cords or tiny ports.

While it’s far from the most powerful or feature packed option on the list, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking for basic phone features and a sleek design.

Bottom Line...

The Jethro SC318v2 is a user-friendly, affordable option for covering the communications basics. The charging dock, SOS feature, and larger buttons also make the phone phone ideal for seniors and kids.

Get It From: Amazon

Learn More: Full Review





Bonus Pick: Light Phone 2

Best Minimalist Phone

Pros: Compact design, e-Ink display, excellent battery life, basic features, Wi-Fi hot spot

Cons: Price



The Light Phone 2 straddles the line between smartphone and basic phone.

It's shaped like a smartphone with that rectangular, flat design with a touchscreen as the primary input. This makes it easy to hammer out quick texts, while the few physical buttons help switch between the limited list of features.