Best Doro phones: “I’m a 78-year-old technophobe and these devices are ideal for me”

We've done the research and rounded up the best Doro phones on the market.

Best Doro Phone

by Lorna White |
Updated on

We've put together a guide on the best Doro phones to keep in touch with your friends and family. If you've been looking for an easy-to-use, basic mobile phone, you've probably already come across the brand Doro. These mobile devices have been designed with simplicity in mind. Doro phones are great for those who don't need a phone with tonnes of different apps and fiddly features.

They are particularly good phones for those who struggle with their hearing, sight or dexterity issues. This is because of the large buttons, louder volume and clear screen. These phones are mainly used to make calls and send texts. Doro phones are amongst the best mobile phones for elderly loved ones.

Best Doro mobile phones at a glance

All Doro phones also come with an easy to locate SOS button. This allows the user to reach their emergency contacts at the push of one button. So, they're ideal for more vulnerable people.

Doro has also released a range of phones that are more like a smartphone. So, this offers users the best of both worlds with an easy-to-use smartphone alternative. Don't expect to pay over-the-odds either, Doro phones are excellent budget smartphones with refurbished options at around £30 and new basic phones for between £40–£60 and smartphones usually under £300.

How we tested these Doro phones

We enlisted the help of Jane Reed, aged 78, who volunteered to put some of Doro's best selling phones to the test. Although Jane does have a basic iphone she doesn't consider herself to be particularly tech savvy and has been looking for a phone that is both cheaper and simpler to use. "There's so many apps on my phone that I never use and lots of features that I just don't need. I'm at the age now where I just want a very basic phone that does everything I need it to."
Jane has arthritis in her fingers so was particularly keen to see if it was easier to type messages with Doro phone. She also wears a hearing aid and like the idea that these can be synced with Doro phones, so that you can hear better when on a call.
Here's how she got on...

Best Doro phones 2024

Best Doro mobile phones

Best easy-to-use smartphone

The Doro 8200 is perfect choice for seniors who want to stay connected with family and friends. It features the Doro ClearSound which helps make conversations super clear for anyone beginning to experience age-related hearing loss. One press of the assistance button send alerts and automatically connects you with family or friends, should you fall or need urgent help. Don't worry if you're not tech savvy as the TeamViewer feature enables a person you invite to access and assist you with your phone directly from their own device.
You can also use voice commands rather than typing, so it's great for anyone with arthritis or mobility issues in their hands.

Tested by Jane Reed, aged 78: "I really liked this phone as it reminds me of an iphone but just a much simpler version. I found it very easy to setup but older people may need some help as you need to connect to the internet in order to use it.
The apps icons on the phone are very large and clear and instead of just being an image they also say in words what they are, for example email, calls, text message. This is great feature for anyone unfamiliar with these standard icons.
I'm hard of hearing and loved the fact I could sync this device with hearing aid. Even without being synced to my hearing aid the ringtone and message alerts were very loud and clear and I didn't miss a call or text.
I loved the fact that if I got stuck and didn't know how to do something on my phone I could get someone to take over and show me what to do using Team Viewer.
I did find the typing keyboard to be a bit slow and have fairly large fingers so it was sometimes hard to hit the right key. I did however use the voice command feature when sending texts and that made it so much easier.
Overall, I think this is a great phone for a confident older person, who still wants to be connected to the internet but doesn't need, or want, a complicated and expensive smartphone."

Pros

  • Simplified smartphone
  • Team Viewer assistance
  • Syncs to hearing aids
  • Voice commands
  • Large icon display
  • Clear and loud ringtones and alerts

Cons

  • Keyboard display can be slow and difficult for those with larger fingers

Best easy-to-use Doro phone

This phone from Doro is super simple to use with widely spaced keys for easier dialling and texting, along with a built-in torch, camera, an assistance button, and an FM radio. Although the screen is fairly small in comparison to modern day smartphones it does feature a wide display.

Tested by Jane Reed, aged 78: "The first thing I noticed about this phone was that you can't connect it to the internet. It's not a 'smartphone' so you can't use it to send emails or access the internet.
It was very easy to set-up and reminded me of one the first mobile phones I had about 25 years ago. The main menu is very easy to access and navigate. The screen is very small but as you wouldn't be using it for the internet it's a perfectly adequate size for calling and texting.
The buttons are very large and well spaced which I loved! It meant I wasn't accidentally pressing the wrong one with my swollen fingers.
The ringtone is also very loud. Even if it was in the bottom of bag I hear it every time.
This phone is also very reasonably priced at around £60. It's absolutely ideal for someone who just wants to be able to use it for calling and texting.
The camera is nice addition but the quality of the photos is very poor."

Pros

  • Simple to set-up
  • Large, well-spaced buttons
  • Loud ringtone
  • Built-in torch, camera and FM radio
  • Low price

Cons

  • Very basic phone
  • Can't connect to internet

Best Doro flip phone

This stylish flip phone that is super easy to use and will keep you well-informed The Doro 2880 features an external display that not only shows you who's calling right away, but also keeps you from missing any important reminders or notifications. There's a larger screen inside and although not a smartphone this model does have 4G.

Tested by Jane Reed, aged 78: "Like almost all of the Doro phones I've tested, this one was super easy to set-up. It's not connected to the internet so all I really needed to do was to insert the battery and sim card. It did take a while to work out how get the back of the phone off. This was also something I couldn't do myself and needed a friend to help with as I couldn't get my nail into the corner to remove the back. It would definitely be tricky for anyone with mobility issues in their hands.
This phone has a large and backlit keyboard which is great if you have arthritic fingers like me. I was able to navigate the main menu very easily and find all the basic functions I needed like calls, messages etc.
I really liked the external display on the front as it meant I could see who was calling before I actually answered the phone.
The other functions I liked were the torch, the fact it's very loud, it's hearing aid compatible and the assistance button (which all Doro phones have) made me feel very safe indeed."

Pros

  • External screen
  • Loud and clear sound
  • Hearing aid compatible
  • Assistance button
  • Torch
  • Talking keys and speakerphone

Cons

  • No internet access
  • Tricky to remove back of device to insert battery

Best Doro phone overall

Doro 2404Amazon/Doro
Price: £63.81
Alternative retailers
Newegg$219.00View offer

With a large screen display and big buttons, this Doro 2404 flip phone comes in a sleek, black design. It also features a camera with flash, Bluetooth and an assistance button making it perfect for those who don't need a fancy smartphone. With a soft-touch coating, it's easy to grip and its folding clamshell design means you won't be making any accidental calls from your pocket. 

Customers who have used the phone said that this option is perfect for young and old people who desire simplicity. “It comes with a camera as well as a torch and FM Radio which makes it a good package for everyday needs and basic entertainment. The screen is bright, and the text is easy to read. I would recommend it to anyone," one customer added.

Pros

  • Has a large screen
  • Comes with big buttons which makes it easy to use
  • Has a sleek desgin as well

Cons

  • It only takes a MicroSIM

Best Doro phone for hearing difficulties

Doro 6620Amazon/Doro

The Doro 6620 is a sim-free phone with a sleek clamshell design. It has a wide 2.8-inch screen. Features like hearing aid compatibility, HD voice, 3G capabilities, a 3MP camera, and an assistance button with GPS for emergencies makes it the perfect choice for your elderly loved ones. The hearing aid compatibility makes it possible to adjust the audio settings of the phone to get loud and clear sound easily through your hearing device. Coupled with the HD voice technology, this phone makes life easier for those with hearing issues.  

Customers who have used this phone said that it is very simple to set up and use. “I opted to use a 1p Mobile SIM card which was equally easy to set up. It also very easy to navigate the menu and make selections,” one user added. With a talk time of up to eight hours and standby time of up to 380 hours, the phone also offers email access, speakerphone, Bluetooth, and four direct keys.

Pros

  • Easy to make selections and calls
  • The hearing aid compatibility makes it possible to adjust the audio settings of the phone to get loud and clear sound easily through your hearing device

Cons

  • Does not have any apps

Best Doro flip-phone

 Doro 6060Amazon/Doro

Customers who have used this phone said that it is very simple to set up and use. “I opted to use a 1p Mobile SIM card which was equally easy to set up. It also very easy to navigate the menu and make selections,” one user added. With a talk time of up to eight hours and standby time of up to 380 hours, the phone also offers email access, speakerphone, Bluetooth, and four direct keys.

With all the standard features of a Doro, this phone also has an internal and external display. Any notifications will show on the small screen outside so you don't have to flip open your phone every time. It is hearing-aid compatible and comes with a camera, Bluetooth and a handy torch. A customer who bought this phone as a present to their mother who is severely disabled with rheumatoid arthritis has said that she found it very easy to use. The phone also comes with a GPS positioning mechanism where it sends a text message to the contacts in the number list when the assistance button is activated with the date, time, and location of the Doro user.

Pros

  • Comes with an assistance button equipped with GPS positioning
  • It is hearing aid compatible

Cons

  • It does not have any apps

Best intuitive Doro smartphone

Doro 8080Amazon/Doro

This smartphone version from Doro comes with Google Assistant built-in with Maps, Gmail, YouTube etc. The phone also has a torch, high-speed Wi-Fi and a touchscreen. The audio boost function allows you to increase in-call volume by 20 per cent. Plus, you have the option to download other apps too. A customer who has been using this phone said, “I am recommending this to all my friends. Although it is not a cheap phone, it is worth every penny. The phone is very intuitive, responsive, has great battery life and excellent features in terms of sound, font size and brightness.”

It is a good phone for internet browsing, banking and music streaming as well. This would be a great option if you're used to an Android device, or if you're looking for something highly intuitive and a little more simple than most smartphones.

Pros

  • Can download and use apps with this phone
  • Has a touchscreen

Cons

  • The touch screen is quite sensitive

Best Doro phone for simplicity

Doro 780XAmazon/Doro

The Doro 780X is designed to be as simple as possible for an elderly user. It has loud and clear sound, is hearing aid compatible and has a simplified three-button keypad to instantly call three contacts you rely on. While you can't send messages, you can receive them. The phone is also equipped with the Response by Doro service which enables 'responders' to be alerted to your needs, location and safety. 

A customer who bought this phone for an aged family member who is developing dementia and lives by herself said, “She needed something for when the landline phone goes down, where you can make phone calls by pushing one button, or two at the most. Although it is expensive, this phone does the job brilliantly.”

You can press two buttons to call and one button to signal an emergency. One can also log on to the My Doro website and check the location of the phone remotely and whether it's charged. This phone would be a great option if you're worried about your own wellbeing or that of an elderly family member, especially if they live alone.

Pros

  • Has a simplified keypad
  • Equipped with buttons to instantly call key contacts

Cons

  • Cannot send messages with this phone

Best Doro camera phone

Doro 1370Ebay/Doro

This Doro 1370 camera phone is ideal for anyone who requires a wider screen to message or view photos. It is very easy to use and comes with three keys to take you right to texting, a handy torch and a little camera. A customer who bought this phone for a parent who is anti-mobile following a health scare mentioned that you can set up simple, single key-press shortcuts, and the emergency feature can call up to five numbers and text them as well. The phone also ensures easier use with the widely spaced, convex keys. Plus, it has an FM radio for your entertainment.

Pros

  • Has a wider display for messages or view photos
  • It has loud and clear sound
  • It is hearing aid compatible

Cons

  • It is a bit complicated to compose a text message

FAQs

What are the benefits of a Doro phone?

Doro phones have user-friendly interfaces with large buttons for easy navigation. The built-in emergency buttons provide quick access to help, enhancing user safety. Doro phones have clear and enhanced audio for improved communication. Some Doro phone models offer remote monitoring and assistance, providing peace of mind for caregivers and family members.

How does a Doro phone provide security and independence?

If you simply want to be able to call friends and family, send the odd text and maybe keep an eye on stuff on the internet, all the extra gadgets and apps that modern phones have are simply unnecessary, and not to mention confusing.That's where Doro phones come in. They're known as one of the leading companies for providing easy-to-use mobiles for those who wish to keep things simple.

Doro mobile phones and their care provisions will also give you the independence and dignity that is important to you. Their features, sensors and SOS services ensure that you can still enjoy living in your own home and getting out and about, feeling safe wherever you go without losing your sense of security.

What is Response by Doro?

Choosing a Doro phone gives you access to complimentary features and services, including Response by Doro. This service enables trusted friends and family – called Responders – to assist you regardless of distance. With a press of the Response button on the phone, you can notify loved ones during emergencies. Responders can also remotely assist with important phone settings from their own smartphones. The Doro phone's GPS location is shared so that Responders can immediately get help to their loved ones. Simply download the Response by Doro app and follow the prompts. Some Doro phones also come with the app pre-installed.

What is Remote assistance?

With this feature, a relative, who is a Responder, will be able to remotely access their loved one's phone without being physically present. This is a useful feature for quick needs like changing the text size or setting the volume.

    Lorna White is a Senior Digital Writer at Yours.co.uk. She was previously a writer at Yours Magazine writing features and news stories before joining the digital team. Lorna loves the great British countryside and likes to spend her spare time out and about in her home of Nottinghamshire walking her dog, Pippin.

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