If you are looking for the best dumb phones, you want something simple. A phone that lets you call and text without dragging you back into apps all day. A phone you can put down and forget about until you actually need it. Something steady. Something quiet.
I tested the phones I own and researched the rest. I read user reviews and Reddit threads to see what people like, what annoys them, how each phone holds up once the novelty wears off, and whether the price feels fair for what you get.
This page brings everything together so you can compare them easily.
Let's dive in.
Overview
How I reviewed the best phones
I focused on phones that reduce screen time without feeling awkward to use. Some dumb phones—feature phones, mostly—look like they came out over twenty years ago.
I skipped most of those. I chose models that feel normal in your hand and that you or your kids would actually want to carry.
I also looked for phones that included basic tools that make daily life easier. A simple camera. Maps on some models. Hotspot on others. Small things that keep you from switching back to your smartphone the moment you need directions or want to scan a QR code.
I included one flip phone, the Sunbeam F1. The rest are modern minimalist phones that cut out noise while still feeling familiar.
If you are not ready to buy a dumb phone, you still have some options. You can turn your iPhone into a dumb phone. Or you can use an NFC app blocker like Brick or Bloom. These give you more control without buying new hardware.
A quick disclaimer:
I own two of the phones in this list, the Mudita Kompakt and Wisephone 2. For the others, I relied on research and real user experiences from Reddit. It is one of the few places where people share honest details about what these phones are like.
Also, if you buy a phone through one of my links, I get a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps keep the site going.
Something I didn’t expect after switching to a dumb phone is how often it starts conversations. When I take out my Mudita Kompakt, people notice it right away. They ask what it is. They ask if they can try it.
Best dumb phones
Wisephone 2
Best modern minimalist smartphone
Availability:
US only
Price:
399 USD
The Wisephone 2 feels like a normal smartphone at first glance, but the experience is very different. The homepage is text only. There are no icons pulling for attention. The whole OS feels calm and you always feel in control using it.
What makes the phone stand out is its app store (called Tool Drawer).
Techless—the company that makes the phone—only approves apps that support a healthier digital life.
You get tools like WhatsApp, Spotify, Waze, Venmo, and most banking apps. But you will not get Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, email, or a browser. There is no way to cheat this.
The Wisephone 2 uses a Samsung A15 as its hardware base and runs WiseOS. So you get the reliability of a Samsung device combined with the simplicity of a clean, secure operating system.
Calls and texts work well. Camera is great (50MP). Cellular connectivity too. Every feature you'd expect from a traditional smartphone is there and works flawlessly.
So what's the catch?
Well, there is a monthly subscription if you want full access to the Tool Drawer (starting at $15/month). More on the different pricing plans in our dedicated Wisephone 2 review.
Real world feedback is consistent. People feel less pulled into distractions. Parents like it for kids because there are no loopholes.
If you want a phone that still runs useful apps but removes all the time-wasters, the Wisephone 2 is one of the best fits.
Get the Wisephone 2 or read my full review
Light Phone 2 and 3
Best dumb phone design
Availability:
LP2 ships worldwide.
LP3 is available for pre-order.
Price:
Light Phone 2: 299 USD
Light Phone 3: 799 USD
The Light Phone line has a very loyal following. Both the Light Phone 2 and 3 are built around one idea: remove everything that keeps you glued to your screen.
The interface and product design are ultra clean. Simple. Elegant.
The Light Phone 2 came in the Fall of 2019. It uses a small E Ink screen and a minimal menu. It handles calls and texts. You can add simple tools like a timer, calculator, hotspot, notes, and directions.
You can't use WhatsApp, maps, or email. It also doesn't have a camera.
Most people use the Light Phone for detox periods or as a weekend phone.
Reddit users like how calm it feels. Some don't like the slow typing, small screen size, and the learning curve of the E Ink display. The phone works well, but it takes patience.
The Light Phone 3 is bigger, faster, and has a better screen. It adds a simple camera and better navigation, and fixes many of the limitations of the Light Phone 2.
The main issue is delivery. Light has started shipping the Light Phone 3 to early pre-order customers, but many new orders are still unfulfilled. Some people report long delays. If you want it now, the wait can be frustrating.
The phone is still officially in pre-order.
Choose the Light Phone 2 if you want something smaller, cheaper, and don't care for a camera. Choose the 3 if you want an upgraded design, better battery, better navigation, and the ability to take photos.
Mudita Kompakt
Best E Ink dumb phone
Availability:
Global
Price:
from 339 USD
The Mudita Kompakt is the phone I reach for when I want to unplug. I often grab it on weekends instead of my iPhone.
The E Ink screen is the main draw. It removes blue light, feels gentle on the eyes, and stays readable outdoors. It also makes the whole phone feel slower, but in a good, intentional way.
The build feels solid. The body has a simple shape that sits well in your hand. I usually get about six days on one charge with light use. Reddit users report three to five days depending on calls and maps.
The phone includes offline maps, hotspot, a music app, a simple camera, and small extras like an e-book reader, chess, and a meditation timer. Everything feels intentional.
The dual SIM and eSIM support also help if you travel or keep work and personal separate.
Out of the box, you do not get Google Maps, WhatsApp, Spotify, or other third-party apps. You can sideload them, but the process is a little technical.
I ended up side-loading WhatsApp, a 2-factor authentication app, Podcast Addict, and a better keyboard (FUTO). I found the default keyboard hard to use and slow.
Some people enjoy tinkering. Others find it annoying. If you want a phone that “just works” with mainstream apps, the Kompakt is not that. This is a device built around stillness first.
Reddit feedback is mostly positive.
People love the screen and the quiet interface. Complaints focus on small bugs, slow animations, and the fact that the OS feels young. Some users also note that typing on the E Ink display is slower than on a regular smartphone because of the refresh time.
The Minimal Phone
Best dumb phone with a full analog keyboard
Availability:
US and EU shipping
Price:
from 449 USD
The Minimal Phone is one of the newest “intentional phones.”
It uses a black and white screen and a full physical QWERTY keyboard. It is not a pure dumb phone. It is more like a smartphone with the color and dopamine stripped out.
The look is clean and modern. The keyboard is a mixed bag. Some say it feels good after a few days. Others say the layout is cramped and slows them down. If fast texting matters to you, expect a learning curve.
The screen uses an e paper style display, meaning it is easy on the eyes and slower than a traditional smartphone. You might get a bit of lag when scrolling or typing.
The operating system is simple. You get calls, texts, and the option to install basic apps. WhatsApp works. Google Maps works. Spotify works. There is no app store full of junk, but this is still an Android device at the core. That means you can install more if you want to.
Some people see this as freedom. Others see it as a temptation.
Most Reddit reviews land on the same point: The Minimal Phone is not for strict detox. It is better for people who want to cut out scrolling but still need tools that a true dumb phone does not offer.
If you want something between a Light Phone and a full smartphone, this sits in that space.
Balance Phone
Best dumb phone with email
Availability:
US, UK, EU
Price:
From 369 USD
The Balance Phone looks like a normal Samsung device but runs a custom black and white operating system. The idea is simple. You keep all the essential tools. You lose the apps that pull you into scrolling.
Most people describe it as a “middle path” between a dumb phone and a full smartphone.
If you want tools like Maps, email, banking, WhatsApp, and your calendar, this phone supports them. Anything tagged as social media, entertainment, or games will not install.
Like the Wisephone, this phone runs on Samsung hardware, so it feels fast and modern. The screen is big. The cameras are good. It does not feel like a downgrade in any way.
That is a major reason people choose it over the Light Phone or a traditional feature phone.
Parents often consider it for kids. The OS blocks everything by default. There are no loopholes unless someone finds a way to sideload apps, which Balance makes this difficult.
The biggest complaint online is the price ($369), though it is not the most expensive phone on our list.
Some people feel it is better value to buy Balance OS for your existing Samsung device. You read that right. Balance lets you buy their operating system and install it on your current phone for $99/year.
If you want a distraction free phone but still need normal apps for work or life, the Balance Phone is a good choice. But if you want a strict detox, something like the Punkt or Wisephone will be better.
Mudita Pure
Sleekest T9 dumb phone
Availability:
US, EU, UK (Often out of stock)
Price:
From 299 USD
The Mudita Pure is a feature phone. It has calls, texts, and a few tools.
It looks great for a feature phone and feels premium. The design is minimal and very well thought-out. Mudita is excellent at making beautiful products, be it their phones, watches, or alarm clocks.
The Pure features Mudita's signature paper-like E Ink screen. The display is small but comfortable to read.
The phone also has a strong focus on health. Mudita highlights its very low SAR value. This matters if you want to reduce radiation exposure. The OS is open source and intentionally simple.
You get calls, texts, music playback, Bluetooth, a meditation timer, and a two color flashlight. The side slider lets you switch between Connected, Do Not Disturb, and Offline without opening menus.
Battery life is good for a feature phone. Most users report several days of use per charge. It also works as a USB tethering modem for your laptop. There is no hotspot, though. This keeps radiation lower and fits the device’s offline philosophy.
On Reddit, complaints point to slow software, occasional bugs, limited carrier support, and the lack of a camera. Some users say it feels too limited for real daily use. Others say the limitations are the whole point—I agree.
If you want a strict offline phone with a beautiful E Ink display and a calmer pace, the Mudita Pure fits that lifestyle. If you need navigation, messaging apps, or a camera, the Mudita Kompakt or other models on this list are a better choice.
Punkt MP02
Most radical dumb phone
Availability:
EU and US (AT&T)
Price:
From 300 USD
The Punkt MP02 has a loyal niche following. I am not a big fan. The design feels stuck in time. Some people call it beautiful. Others say it looks like a prop from a 90s movie.
The 20-key T9 keyboard is the first thing that stands out. The buttons are round, firm, and clicky. Texting feels slow until you learn the rhythm. You might like that it forces you to type with intention. Others say it is one of the hardest layouts to get used to.
Call quality is good. You get two to three days of battery with normal use. The phone can act as a hotspot, which is its only real bridge to the internet.
It also features a Signal-based Pigeon app. Sounds good in theory but people report lag, crashes, and slow message delivery.
The MP02 is a radical dumb phone. People buy it because it leaves no room for cheating. Parents like this part too. It is a device that keeps you offline whether you want to or not.
Note: this phone does not work with Verizon in the United States.
Sunbeam F1
Best modern flip phone
Availability:
US only
Price:
From 189 USD
Sunbeam makes modern flip phones built for simplicity.
They look classic, but the software is thoughtful. Some models, like the Horizon Bluebird or Pro Aspen, feature Waze, weather, camera, Wi-Fi hotspot and a few extra tools.
Both the Horizon and the Pro come in several versions with more or less features. You pick the model that fits your needs. This can be confusing for first time buyers, but it also means you never pay for features you do not need or want.
The Horizon is the lighter, cheaper option. It is fine for daily use if you want something simple. The biggest difference is that it feels more fragile than the Pro.
The F1 Pro has a larger battery, better camera, a stronger hinge, and a rugged shell. It is water resistant and built for drops. People who work outdoors or just want something tough tend to prefer it.
Both phones have small touches that make life easier.
Sunbeam also offers a $3.50/month Premium subscription. The subscription unlocks additional features like Voice to Text, extended Weather and Navigation on models that support it. Voice to text works surprisingly well.
Quick shortcuts on the front of the phone let you send audio messages or toggle the flashlight without opening the phone. These small things matter with a flip phone.
The biggest downside is the price. At $300+, the Pro models feel expensive for what they offer.
Bottom line: If you want a dependable flip phone that works well for calls, texting, Waze, and basic tools, the Horizon is enough. If you want something tougher with a bigger battery and a more premium feel, the F1 Pro is the safer pick.
Phones to Look Forward To
The following phones are not shipping yet, but they already have people curious. Each one brings a fresh idea to the dumb phone world.
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Sage Mobile
The first dumb iPhone
Availability:
Not released yet
Price:
Unknown. (Likely tied to a monthly subscription that includes the leased iPhone.)
Sage Mobile is one of the most interesting upcoming projects. It comes from the same team behind the Wisephone. Instead of building their own hardware, they put a custom operating system on top of an iPhone. You do not Get the phone outright. You lease it as part of your subscription.
This makes Sage different from every other dumb phone. You get Apple’s hardware. You get Sage OS on top. You get a curated experience like Wise OS but inside the iPhone ecosystem. That means good cameras, good build quality, and the reliability people expect from Apple.
We still do not know the exact iPhone model they will ship. We also do not know release dates or pricing. But the idea is strong. Many people want a simpler phone but do not want to downgrade their hardware. Sage Mobile aims to fix that.
If they execute well, Sage could become the best intentional phone for Europe and the UK. It blends strict boundaries with premium design, which is rare in this space.
Sidephone
Best modular dumb phone
Availability:
Not released
Price:
Unknown
Sidephone is still early, but the idea stands out. It is a small, slim device with a removable keyboard that attaches magnetically.
You can use it with the keyboard or pull it off and use the touchscreen alone. The goal is flexibility. Text with physical keys when you want to slow down. Swipe or tap when you need quick input.
The design is clever. It tries to give you the benefits of both a minimalist phone and a small productivity device. It is not clear yet why most people would remove the keyboard, but the option is there.
There is one thing to mention with transparency. The founder also launched the Ghost Phone project. Some Reddit users reported paying for a Ghost Phone and never receiving it. There is no proof those claims are universal, but they exist. Worth keeping in mind until Sidephone ships real units.
Still, the concept is refreshing. If they deliver, Sidephone could be a fun alternative to the Light Phone or traditional flip phones.
Keyphone
Best:
Best phone for fast texting
Availability:
Not released
Price:
Expected around 200 to 300 USD, not confirmed
Keyphone is built around one idea. Make texting fast and comfortable without turning the phone into a mini computer. The whole device centers on the physical keyboard. It looks clean and intentional. Simple black and white interface.
People are excited because there are not many new phones with full keyboards. The Keyphone fills that gap without becoming a productivity device or a tiny laptop. It keeps things simple and grounded.
We still do not know exact specs, battery life, or release timelines. But the concept is promising. If they keep the experience strict and the hardware sturdy, it could become popular among heavy texters and people who miss physical keys.
The team says their first production batch of three thousand units is shipping in December 2025. That means real devices should reach early buyers soon, not years from now.
What you can try next
A dumb phone helps you step back from your screen, but it is only one way to reset your habits. If you want something you can start today with your current phone, read How to Stop Scrolling: 8 Secrets That Actually Work.
This guide covers tools like NFC tags, lock boxes, and other simple tricks that make it easier to stay off your phone without buying new hardware.
Or consider dumbing down your iPhone.
