Technology can make life easier, safer, and more enjoyable—but choosing the right devices can feel overwhelming. With so many phones, tablets, computers, and smart tools available, how do you know which ones truly fit your needs?
The good news is that you don’t need to be a tech expert. With a little guidance, you can select technology that supports your daily routines, helps you stay connected, and brings more convenience to your life without unnecessary stress or confusion.
Here’s a simple guide to choosing tech that works for you—not the other way around.
Start With Your Personal Needs
Before shopping for any device, ask yourself what you want the technology to help you do.
Consider your goals:
- Staying connected with family
- Reading, watching movies, or browsing online
- Managing health information
- Organizing your schedule
- Safety and emergency communication
- Smart home convenience
The best tech is the technology that meets your needs—not someone else’s.
Before shopping, consider writing down the 3 most important things you want your new device to do. For example: video call your grandchildren, read email, and browse the internet.
Having a short list can make it easier to ignore features you don’t need.
Choose Devices With Senior-Friendly Features
Many devices today include accessibility features that can make them easier and more comfortable to use.
Look for:
- Large, easy-to-read screens
- Adjustable text and font sizes
- Simple navigation
- Loud, clear speakers
- Lightweight and comfortable designs
- Good battery life
- Physical buttons, if preferred
- Voice control or dictation
Remember that accessibility features aren’t only for people with disabilities. Increasing text size, using voice commands, turning on captions, or adjusting screen contrast can make everyday technology more comfortable for almost anyone.
AARP’s technology resources provide additional guides for older adults on smartphones, computers, accessibility features, online safety, and other everyday technology.
Decide What Size Device Fits You Best
Bigger isn’t always better—and smaller isn’t always easier.
Smartphones:
- Easy to carry
- Great for texting, calling, navigation, and quick browsing
- Useful for taking photos and video calls
- Good for those who value portability
Tablets:
- Larger screens for reading and viewing
- Larger areas to tap and navigate
- Great for video calls, games, reading, and entertainment
- Often lighter than laptops
Laptops:
- Better suited for longer periods of typing and writing
- Useful for managing documents and other online tasks
- Offer larger screens than most tablets and phones
- Good for people who prefer a traditional keyboard and mouse or trackpad
Choose the size and style that feels most comfortable for the tasks you’ll actually perform.
Look for a Simple and Familiar Operating System
Different operating systems offer different experiences.
Options to consider:
- Apple (iPhone, iPad, Mac): Offers an integrated ecosystem and numerous built-in accessibility features
- Android: Available on many different devices and at a wide range of prices, with considerable customization
- Chromebook: Designed primarily around web-based tasks and can be a straightforward choice for browsing, email, and other everyday activities
- Windows: Widely used on laptops and desktop computers and supports a large range of programs and accessories
Rather than worrying about which system is universally “best,” consider which one feels easiest for you.
If you’ve already learned how to use an iPhone, for example, an iPad may feel more familiar than switching to an entirely different system.
Consider Your Budget and Long-Term Value
You don’t necessarily need the newest or most expensive device. It’s better to choose technology that meets your needs and should remain useful for a reasonable amount of time.
Keep in mind:
- The purchase price
- Expected software and security updates
- Warranty coverage
- Repair costs
- Accessories you may need
- Cloud storage or app subscriptions
- Cellular service costs, if applicable
For example, suppose you’re comparing a $600 tablet with a $300 tablet. If you mainly want to read email, browse websites, watch videos, and make video calls, the $300 device may already provide everything you need.
On the other hand, paying more may make sense if the more expensive device provides an easier-to-read screen, better accessibility features, longer software support, or another feature you’ll use every day.
Choose based on value to you, rather than price alone.
Make Sure It Works With Your Other Devices
Compatibility can make everyday tasks much easier.
Ask:
- Will photos sync with your tablet or computer?
- Will the device work with your printer?
- Can it connect to your smartwatch or hearing devices, if needed?
- Can you share calendars, reminders, or photos between devices?
- Will your existing apps work on it?
Using devices within the same ecosystem can sometimes simplify setup and synchronization, but you don’t necessarily need to replace everything you already own.
Before buying, check compatibility with the devices and services that matter most to you.
Check Safety and Security Features
Your technology should provide tools that help protect your information.
Look for:
- Automatic software and security updates
- Passcode or password protection
- Fingerprint or facial recognition, if desired
- Spam-call and message filtering
- Built-in security features
- Find-my-device features for lost phones or tablets
No device can protect you from every scam or security threat. Safe habits still matter.
Keep software updated, use strong and unique passwords, and be cautious when unexpected callers, emails, or messages ask for passwords, verification codes, money, or remote access to your device.
The AARP Fraud Watch Network provides information about common scams and ways older adults can recognize and avoid fraud.
Look at Reviews and Ask for Recommendations
Trusted opinions can help you make a more informed decision.
Good sources may include:
- Reviews from people with similar needs
- Established technology publications
- Family or friends who use similar devices
- Accessibility specialists or knowledgeable store employees
- Consumer organizations
Pay particular attention to reviews discussing the features that matter to you.
A reviewer who cares about gaming performance, for example, may judge a laptop very differently from someone who mainly wants a comfortable computer for email, video calls, and browsing.
Try Out Devices In Person When Possible
Nothing replaces physically holding and using a device.
When trying a device, ask:
- Does the screen feel comfortable to read?
- Can I increase the text size?
- Are the buttons or touchscreen controls easy to use?
- Is the device too heavy?
- Is the sound loud and clear enough?
- Can I comfortably hold it for several minutes?
- Does the layout make sense to me?
Don’t be afraid to spend several minutes trying a device before deciding.
A device can have excellent reviews and still be uncomfortable for you.
Seek Tech Support Options Before You Buy
Good support can make a significant difference, particularly when you’re learning a new device.
Look for manufacturers, retailers, or community organizations offering:
- In-person assistance
- One-on-one support
- Online tutorials
- Phone or chat support
- Clear warranty information
- Reasonable return policies
- Technology classes
Also find out how long you have to return the device and whether there are restocking fees or other restrictions.
Having somewhere trustworthy to turn when you have a question can make learning new technology much less frustrating.
Keep Things Simple
You do not need every feature or every app.
Start with:
- Calls and messages
- Photos
- Internet browsing
- Video calls
- Apps you actually use
Learn a few important features first. Once those feel familiar, you can explore additional features at your own pace.
You can also remove unnecessary apps from your home screen, increase text size, organize frequently used apps together, and turn off notifications you don’t need.
A simpler setup can make a device feel much easier to use.
Final Thoughts
Choosing technology that fits your needs should feel empowering—not stressful. Focus on what you actually want to accomplish, look for features that make the device comfortable to use, consider the total cost, and try the device before buying when possible.
You don’t need the fastest processor, the most expensive model, or dozens of features you’ll never use.
Start by identifying the 3 things you most want technology to help you do. Then choose a device that handles those tasks comfortably, securely, and within your budget.
Technology is ultimately a tool for connection, safety, entertainment, productivity, and independence. The right device isn’t necessarily the newest or most powerful one—it’s the one that fits comfortably into your everyday life.
