Most phones today are built for maximum engagement. They’re packed with features you didn’t ask for, constantly buzzing with updates you didn’t need. Over time, using them feels less like a choice and more like a default. A lot of people are starting to look for a way out—not to give up phones entirely, but to have a device that serves them without hijacking their time or mental energy.
That’s where minimalist phones come in. They strip the experience down to essentials. No infinite feeds, no attention-grabbing apps, no algorithm watching your every move. Just calling, texting, and maybe a few basic tools. Enough to stay connected without getting pulled into a loop.
There isn’t a single definition of a minimalist phone. Some are completely stripped-down, while others include selective features like maps or music. The point isn’t purity. It’s intentionality. Here are the best options available right now, depending on what balance you’re trying to strike.
The Light Phone II is probably the most well-known device in the minimalist space. It was designed from the ground up to be a phone that respects your time and attention.
It has an e-ink display, physical buttons, and a stripped-down interface. You can call, text, set alarms, listen to music or podcasts, use a basic calculator, and access turn-by-turn directions via a simple navigation tool. There’s no browser, no social media, no app store.
The design is intentionally slow. It’s not trying to compete with a smartphone—it’s trying to be an alternative to one. The e-ink screen makes reading easy on the eyes and doesn’t glow in the dark. The battery lasts a couple of days with moderate use. It’s about as close as you can get to a distraction-free phone while still being functional in 2024.
The Light Phone II works on most major networks and supports 4G LTE. You can bring your own SIM or purchase a plan through their partner network. Setup is straightforward, and the support team is responsive.
This phone is best for people who want to cut way back on screen time but still need reliable texting, calling, and navigation. It's not cheap—$299 new—but it’s built to last and gets regular firmware updates.
The Punkt MP02 is another solid option for people looking to step off the smartphone treadmill. It’s even more minimal than the Light Phone. No maps, no music, no podcasts—just calls, texts, and a few utilities like calendar, alarm, and notes.
It has a monochrome LCD screen, a physical keypad, and a weighty, tactile design. The build quality is excellent. It feels like a device made to be held and used, not stared at.
The MP02 supports 4G LTE and can be used as a tethering hotspot if you ever need to connect a laptop or tablet to the internet. That alone gives it more flexibility than many “dumb” phones.
It’s encrypted for security and doesn’t collect user data. Battery life is strong—up to five days on standby, two to three days with normal use. Texting is slower than on a touchscreen, but some people prefer that. It forces you to be concise.
The MP02 costs around $379 and is often favored by people who want a minimalist phone that feels like a premium object. It’s good for those who want to unplug without downgrading the quality of the hardware.
If you want a basic phone with some familiar modern features, the Nokia 6300 4G might be a fit. It runs KaiOS, a lightweight operating system that includes apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, YouTube, and a basic browser.
This might sound like a contradiction, but for some people, a minimalist phone needs to support one or two critical apps—especially if they're used for work or family. KaiOS phones let you selectively use modern tools while ditching most of the noise.
The 6300 4G is cheap, usually under $70 unlocked, and supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and even VoLTE calling. Battery life is solid, and the interface is straightforward.
You can uninstall most of the preloaded apps, and there’s no pressure to download more. It’s a good transitional device for people who want to dial down their usage without cutting ties completely.
The Mudita Pure is a newer entry in the minimalist phone world, focused on privacy and wellness. It features an e-ink screen, physical keypad, and ultra-low SAR radiation levels (for those concerned about exposure). It’s designed in Europe and has a very deliberate aesthetic: calm, muted, simple.
It includes calling, texting, calendar, alarm, a meditation timer, and a music player. It does not support internet browsing, social apps, or anything that might lead to doomscrolling. It does offer tethering, so like the Punkt, it can act as a data bridge if needed.
The interface is custom-built and refreshingly slow. There’s no lag, but the pacing encourages you to slow down. You won’t be jumping between apps or checking notifications. There are no notifications. You open the phone when you want to use it, and then you put it down.
Mudita includes a desktop syncing tool that lets you manage contacts and text messages from your computer, which is helpful given the lack of touchscreen or keyboard.
The Pure is priced around $369 and is best suited for people who care deeply about design, privacy, and long-term simplicity. It’s not as well-known as the Light Phone, but it’s a thoughtfully made device that fits the same mission.
For people who don’t want to buy a new phone, there are DIY approaches to making your current phone less addictive.
You can remove all social media, email, and browser apps. Set the phone to grayscale. Disable notifications across the board. Use minimalist launchers like:
On iPhone, you can use Screen Time restrictions to hide or block access to apps. Set a passcode and have someone else hold it. Move all apps off your home screen. Replace your background with a black or calming image. Set Do Not Disturb as default.
This approach takes some effort to maintain, but it can get you 80% of the way to a minimalist phone experience without buying anything.
Minimalist phones aren’t all aiming at the same user. Some are truly stripped down. Others are basic but still include a few modern conveniences. Before buying, think about what “minimal” actually means in your day-to-day.
Questions to ask:
These aren’t moral questions. It’s about finding the balance that keeps you connected to what matters and cuts out what doesn’t.
Some people use a minimalist phone full-time. Others use it on weekends, while traveling, or during focused periods of the year. There’s no one right way to do it.
| Phone | Connectivity | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Phone II | 4G LTE | Text, calls, maps, music, alarms | ~$299 |
| Punkt MP02 | 4G LTE | Text, calls, hotspot, encryption | ~$379 |
| Nokia 6300 4G | 4G LTE | Text, calls, basic apps (KaiOS) | ~$70 |
| Mudita Pure | 4G LTE | Text, calls, music, meditation timer | ~$369 |
| DIY Smartphone | Varies | Grayscale, no apps, launcher customization | Free |
Minimalist phones aren’t going to make your life peaceful on their own. But they can give you the space to think more clearly, move more slowly, and notice when you’re using your device out of habit instead of need.
Each option above offers a different path to that space. Whether you want a pure break from digital life or just fewer reasons to pick up your phone, there’s a device—or a strategy—that can support it.
You don’t have to go all in. You can try it for a day. For a week. For the evenings only. The goal isn’t to become a minimalist. The goal is to feel like your time and attention belong to you again.
That’s a good enough reason to start.