Key Takeaways 

• Caption phones display a caller’s words as text on screen, so people with hearing loss can follow every conversation without missing a word. 
• The best caption phone for hearing-impaired individuals should be easy to use, simple to set up, and available at no cost to those who qualify. 
• ClearCaptions is America’s largest captioned telephone service provider, trusted by more Americans with hearing loss than any other caption phone service. 
• ClearCaptions, CapTel, CaptionCall, Hamilton CapTel, and InnoCaption are some of the leading providers in this space. 
• ClearCaptions and other caption phone providers participate in a federally managed program that makes caption phones available at no cost to eligible individuals. 

For someone with hearing loss, phone calls can be frustrating and tiring. Caption phones help by showing the caller’s words as text on a screen. This allows your loved one to read and hear every conversation without missing a word. 

Finding the right caption phone for your loved one can give you both peace of mind. This guide compares the best caption phones for hearing-impaired individuals to help you find the right fit. 

What Is a Caption Phone and How Does It Work? 

Caption phones are telephones that display the words your caller says as on-screen text, so people with hearing loss can read along during a call. For home phones, captions appear on a screen attached to the phone base. Smartphone captioning apps offer a similar experience for mobile calls. No extra steps are needed; callers make and receive calls as they always have, and captions appear on the screen during the conversation. 

What to Look for in a Caption Phone 

When choosing the best caption phones for hearing loss, look for these features: 

• Ease of use: The phone should feel familiar and simple right away. 
• Accessibility: The phone should have a clear and easy-to-read display. Look for a caption phone with helpful features like the ClearCaptions Phone’s captioned voicemails and call log with private captions of past conversations. 
• Connectivity: Ensure the phone works with your loved one’s existing landline, internet, or smartphone service. 
• No cost: Many of the best caption phones are available at no cost to qualified individuals through a federally managed program. 
• Quality customer service: Choose a caption phone provider that offers free in-home phone setup, training, and a phone warranty. 

Top 5 Caption Phones for Hearing Loss 

ClearCaptions 

The ClearCaptions Phone is provided by America’s largest captioned telephone service provider. More Americans with hearing loss choose ClearCaptions than any other caption phone service. ClearCaptions has been serving customers since 2011. The ClearCaptions Phone is available at no cost to qualified individuals through a federally managed program. It has a large, easy-to-read touchscreen. It is also compatible with both landlines and internet-enabled phone services that require no landline. 

Pros: 

• Available at no cost to qualified individuals 
• Large, easy-to-read touchscreen display 
• Free in-home setup by a dedicated specialist 
• Guided training and a lifetime warranty included 
• Works with landlines and internet-based phone services 
• Ongoing customer support after setup 

CapTel 

CapTel offers a range of caption phones designed for people with hearing loss. These phones have large screens that show captions during calls. Captions are generated by live captioning assistants. CapTel phones work with both traditional landlines and digital services. 

Pros: 

• Several models to choose from 
• Some models do not require an internet connection. 

Cons: 

• With some models, incoming callers must dial the captioning service first 
• Phones can be costly without federal assistance 
• Users report unreliable network connectivity and cumbersome hardware 

CaptionCall by Sorenson 

The CaptionCall phone uses a mix of live agents and voice recognition to caption calls. Callers can dial numbers directly without going through a separate service first. It also works with most hearing aids. However, the touchscreen menus can be harder for some seniors to navigate. 

Pros: 

• Works with most hearing aids 
• Free for those who qualify through the FCC program 
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth™ support 

Cons: 

• The on-screen menus can be a challenge for seniors less familiar with touchscreen technology 
• Negative reviews mention concerns with hardware durability 
• Users also report issues with connecting to Wi-Fi 

Hamilton CapTel 

Hamilton CapTel offers captioning for home phones, mobile devices, and computers. It works on laptops, desktops, smartphones, and tablets. Users keep one phone number across all their devices. 

Pros: 

• Captioning across many types of devices 
• Works for both personal and business use 
• Simple setup and interface 

Cons: 

• Some customers report difficulties setting up the phone 
• Negative reviews mention it can be difficult to use 
• Users also report difficulties with maintaining a connection 

InnoCaption 

InnoCaption is a mobile-only app for smartphones and tablets. It uses live captioners to provide around-the-clock captioning for phone calls, video calls, and conference calls. Users can keep their existing number.  

Pros: 

• Works on iPhone® and Android^™ devices 
• Works with existing phone numbers and mobile plans 
• Supports phone calls, video calls, and conference calls 

Cons: 

• No home phone option 
• Only works on mobile devices, so mobile internet is required 
• Users frequently report spam calls 

Caption Phone Comparison Table 

Why ClearCaptions Is the Top Choice 

ClearCaptions is America’s largest captioned telephone service provider. The company has served customers in all 50 states since 2011. More Americans with hearing loss choose ClearCaptions than any other caption phone service. That makes it the best caption phone for hearing-impaired individuals. 

The ClearCaptions Phone has a large, easy-to-read touchscreen. It includes a built-in speakerphone, volume amplification, captioned voicemail, call logs, and a simple contacts list. A trained specialist comes to your loved one’s home to handle setup. Guided training is included. A lifetime warranty is included too. 

For caregivers, that means your loved one will not have to figure anything out alone. 

How to Get a Caption Phone at No Cost 

To get the best caption phone at no cost, individuals must meet the requirements of a federal captioned telephone program. To qualify, you must: 

1. Have hearing loss that makes phone calls difficult without captions 
2. Live in the United States or its territories 
3. Have access to an internet connection 
4. Communicate in English 

No medical paperwork is needed to qualify. Your loved one completes a simple self-certification during setup. If you choose the ClearCaptions Phone, a specialist will walk you through every step. 

Learn more about caption phone eligibility for your loved one today.