Why Dumb Phones?

If you're someone who's looking to unplug and disconnect from the constant barrage of notifications and distractions that come with smartphones, a dumb phone might be just what you need. These stripped-down devices offer only the essential features needed to make and receive calls and texts, without the added distractions and complexities of a smartphone. 

Here are our 5 favorite dumb phones of 2023 along with a short description of their features and who they're best suited for below:

Best Dumb Phones List [2023]

1. Light Phone 2 (Our Favorite)
2. Sunbeam F1 (Best Deal)
3. Mudita Pure (Best Design)
4. Punkt MP02
5. Xiaomi F22

Honorable mention: BeepBerry

Below we have more detailed descriptions of each of the options. Great video reviews and information about each of these phones can be found on the Jose Briones dumbphone review channel.

Light Phone 2 (Our Favorite)

Price: $299

Best For: People serious about completely replacing their smartphone with a dumb phone.

Key Features: Group Texts with Images, Music & Podcast, Voice notes

The Light Phone 2 is the best minimalist phone in the US market. It has a sleek and simple design, with a black and white e-ink display and a few basic features like calling, texting, and an alarm clock. There are no apps, no social media, and no internet connectivity, making it the perfect device for those who want to disconnect.

Sunbeam F1 (Best Deal)

Price: $195

Best For: Budget-conscious consumers who want a simple device for calls and texts.

Key Features: Good price, Robust design, Reliable calls and texts

The Sunbeam F1 is a budget-friendly dumb phone that's perfect for those who just need a basic device for calls and texts. It is a great callback to old school flip phones that remind you of simpler times. It has a compact design, with a small color display and a physical keyboard. It also has some basic features like a calendar, navigation, alarm clock, and notes app.

Mudita Pure (Best Design)

Price: $369.99

Best For: Health-conscious individuals who want a phone that promotes wellness and mindfulness. (Best for people not in the US as service is spotty in the States)

Key Features: Mindfulness app, Aesthetic Design, Larger E-ink Screen

The Mudita Pure is a unique dumb phone that's designed to promote wellness and mindfulness. It has a sleek and simple design, with a black and white e-ink display and a few basic features like calling, texting, and an alarm clock. It also has some advanced features like a meditation timer with a breathing exercise. 

Punkt MP02

Price: $379

Best For: Dumbphone hobbyist. The reliability isn't great but for those that love the design and want a physical keyboard in the US it is great.

Key Features: Manual Keyboard, Sleek Design, Pigeon Messenger

The Punkt MP02 is a high-end dumb phone that has a minimalist design, with a black and white LCD display and a physical keyboard. It also has some advanced features like a calendar and contacts. The Pigeon Messenger is an exciting integration but is not reliable at the moment.

Xiaomi F22

Price: $102

Best For: Tech-savvy individuals who want a basic device with modern features.

Key Features: Touch Screen & Physical Keyboard, Front/Back Cameras (pro only), Group Text

The Xiaomi F22 is a modern take on the traditional dumb phone. It has a modern design, with a color display and a physical keyboard. It comes in 3 versions: F22 Pro, F22 (non pro), and F21. It also has some advanced features like a camera, music player. The main drawback is that the connectivity in the US is not great.

Honorable Mention

BeepBerry (HackerPhone)

The BeepBerry is less of a dumb phone and more of a DIY hacker phone released recently in a collaboration between Beeper and SQMFI. It is a fun developer kit for hackers interested in trying to configure their own dumb phone.