Prepaid phone deals in September
Prepaid phones are great way to avoid commitment, overage costs, and early termination fees.
The plans are affordable and widely available - but how do you go about getting a good quality phone to use with your prepaid plan?
We'll help you find the best prepaid phone for your budget and how to save up to $600 per year on your cell phone bill!
Apple iPhone 12 Unlocked - $779*
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Unlocked - $999
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Unlocked - $1,099
Apple iPhone SE Unlocked - $399*
Apple iPhone 12 mini Unlocked - $729*
Apple iPhone 11 Unlocked - $549*
Samsung Galaxy A21 Unlocked - $229*
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Unlocked - $799*
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Unlocked - $949*
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Unlocked - $1,249*
Best prepaid iPhones
Apple iPhone 12 Unlocked
- Network
- AT&T
- Storage
- 128GB
- Condition
- New
- Price
- $779*
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 (Unlocked) | 128GB | $779 |
| Apple iPhone 12 (AT&T) | 128GB | $729 |
| Apple iPhone 12 (Verizon) | 128GB | $729 |
| Apple iPhone 12 (T-Mobile) | 128GB | $779 |
Screen Size | 6.1" |
Screen Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | A14 Bionic Chip pixels |
Internal Memory | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Operating System | iOS 14 |
Back Camera | Dual 12MP |
Front Camera | 12MP |
HDR for Photos | HDR |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 20 hours |
Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm |
Weight | 164g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Pros
Attractive design
Fantastic audio quality
5G compatible
Amazing OLED display
Cons
No charger or headphones included
Battery life
Not much camera upgrade
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Unlocked
- Network
- Verizon
- Storage
- 128GB
- Condition
- New
- Price
- $999
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro (Unlocked) | 128GB | $999 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro (AT&T) | 128GB | $899 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro (Verizon) | 128GB | $999 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro (T-Mobile) | 128GB | $999 |
Screen Size | 6.1" |
Screen Resolution | 2532 x 1170 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | A14 Bionic Chip pixels |
Internal Memory | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
Operating System | iOS 14 |
Back Camera | 12MP |
Front Camera | 12MP |
HDR for Photos | HDR |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4mm |
Weight | 189g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Pros
Bright and colorful OLED display
Good photo quality
5G compatible
Good quality speakers
Attractive design
Cons
Shorter battery life than iPhone 11
No charger or headphones included
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Unlocked
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Storage
- 128GB
- Condition
- New
- Price
- $1,099
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (Refurbished) | 128GB | $1,005 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (Unlocked) | 128GB | $1,099 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (AT&T) | 128GB | $999 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (Verizon) | 128GB | $1,099 |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max (T-Mobile) | 128GB | $1,099 |
Screen Size | 6.7" |
Screen Resolution | 2778 x 1284 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | A14 Bionic Chip pixels |
Internal Memory | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
Operating System | iOS 14 |
Back Camera | 12MP |
Front Camera | 12MP |
HDR for Photos | HDR |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Dimensions | 160.8 x 78.1 x 7.4mm |
Weight | 228g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Pros
Durable and water resistant
Large OLED screen
5G compatible
Great battery life and fast charging
Photo and video quality
Cons
Expensive
Heavy
No charger or headphones
Apple iPhone SE Unlocked
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Storage
- 64GB
- Condition
- New
- Price
- $399*
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone SE (Refurbished) | 64GB | $255 |
| Apple iPhone SE (Unlocked) | 64GB | $399 |
| Apple iPhone SE (AT&T) | 64GB | $349 |
| Apple iPhone SE (Verizon) | 64GB | $349 |
| Apple iPhone SE (T-Mobile) | 64GB | $399 |
Screen Size | 4.7" |
Screen Resolution | 1334 x 750 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | A13 Bionic pixels |
Internal Memory | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Operating System | iOS 13 |
Back Camera | 12MP |
Front Camera | 7MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 14 hours |
Dimensions | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm |
Weight | 148g |
Splash Proof | IP67 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Pros
Compact and lightweight
Water-resistant
Amazing A13 chip performance
Affordable price
Touch ID
Cons
Battery capacity
Night mode is missed
Only a 5W charger
Apple iPhone 12 mini Unlocked
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Storage
- 64GB
- Condition
- New
- Price
- $729*
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 mini (Unlocked) | 64GB | $729 |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini (AT&T) | 64GB | $629 |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini (Verizon) | 64GB | $679 |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini (T-Mobile) | 64GB | $729 |
Screen Size | 5.4" |
Screen Resolution | 2340 x 1080 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | A14 Bionic Chip pixels |
Internal Memory | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Operating System | iOS 14 |
Back Camera | Dual 12MP |
Front Camera | 12MP |
HDR for Photos | HDR |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Dimensions | 131.5 x 64.2 x 7.4mm |
Weight | 135g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Pros
Great compact size
Excellent camera
5G compatible
Brilliant OLED display
Cons
Battery life
No tele lens
Apple iPhone 11 Unlocked
- Network
- AT&T
- Storage
- 128GB
- Condition
- New
- Price
- $549*
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 11 (Refurbished) | 128GB | $405 |
| Apple iPhone 11 (Unlocked) | 128GB | $549 |
| Apple iPhone 11 (AT&T) | 128GB | $499 |
| Apple iPhone 11 (Verizon) | 128GB | $499 |
| Apple iPhone 11 (T-Mobile) | 128GB | $549 |
Screen Size | 6.1" |
Screen Resolution | 1792 x 828 pixels |
HDR Screen | No pixels |
Processor | A13 Bionic pixels |
Internal Memory | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Operating System | iOS 13 |
Back Camera | 12MP (Dual) |
Front Camera | 12MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 17 hours (video playback) |
Dimensions | 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3mm |
Weight | 194g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Model Number | A2111 |
User Manual |
Pros
Tougher and water resistant design
Great quality speakers
Good photos from main camera
Excellent selfie photo and video quality
Powerful A13 processor
Cons
No screen update
Storage starts at 64GB
Only a 5W charger included
Compare the best prepaid iPhone deals
Model | Condition | Memory | Compatibility | Price | New | 128GB | AT&T | $549 | New | 64GB | AT&T | $599 | New | 64GB | AT&T | $699 | New | 128GB | AT&T | $779 | New | 64GB | T-Mobile | $729 | New | 128GB | Verizon | $999 | New | 128GB | T-Mobile | $1,099 | New | 64GB | T-Mobile | $399 | New | 128GB | T-Mobile | $549 |
|---|
Best prepaid Samsung phones
Samsung Galaxy A21 Unlocked
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Storage
- 32GB
- Condition
- New
- Price
- $229*
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy A21 (Unlocked) | 32GB | $229 |
| Samsung Galaxy A21 (T-Mobile) | 32GB | $229 |
Screen Size | 6.5" |
Screen Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels |
HDR Screen | No pixels |
Internal Memory | 32GB |
Operating System | Android 10 |
Back Camera | 48MP, 8MP, 2MP, 2MP |
Front Camera | 13MP |
HDR for Photos | No |
Video Resolution | FHD |
Wireless Charging | No |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.3 x 8.9mm |
Weight | 192g |
Splash Proof | No |
Water Resistant | No |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | No |
Model Number | SM-A215UZKATMB |
Pros
Large 6.5" screen
Amazing quad camera
Powerful battery
Excellent front camera
Cons
No Gorilla glass protection
No wireless charging
Plastic body
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Unlocked
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Storage
- 128GB
- Condition
- New
- Price
- $799*
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S21 (Refurbished) | 128GB | $481 |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 (Unlocked) | 128GB | $799 |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 (T-Mobile) | 128GB | $799 |
Screen Size | 6.2" |
Screen Resolution | 1080 x 2400 |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | Qualcomm SM8350 snapdragon 888 pixels |
Internal Memory | 128GB, 256GB |
Operating System | Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
Back Camera | 12MP, 64MP, 12MP |
Front Camera | 10MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | 8K, 4K |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm |
Weight | 169g |
Splash Proof | Yes |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Pros
Cons
Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G Unlocked
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Storage
- 128GB
- Condition
- New
- Price
- $999*
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S21+ (Refurbished) | 128GB | $785 |
| Samsung Galaxy S21+ (Unlocked) | 128GB | $999 |
| Samsung Galaxy S21+ (T-Mobile) | 128GB | $999 |
Screen Size | 6.7" |
Screen Resolution | 1080 x 2400 |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | Qualcomm SM8350 snapdragon 888 pixels |
Internal Memory | 128GB, 256GB |
Operating System | Android 11, One UI 3.1 |
Back Camera | 12MP, 64MP, 12MP |
Front Camera | 10MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | 8K, 4K, 1080p |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm |
Weight | 200g |
Splash Proof | Yes |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Pros
Cons
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Unlocked
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Storage
- 128GB
- Condition
- New
- Price
- $949*
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Note20 (Unlocked) | 128GB | $949 |
| Samsung Galaxy Note20 (Verizon) | 128GB | $1,199 |
| Samsung Galaxy Note20 (T-Mobile) | 128GB | $949 |
Screen Size | 6.7" |
Screen Resolution | 2400 x 1080 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus pixels |
Internal Memory | 128GB |
Operating System | Android 10 |
Back Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide, 12MP Wide-angle, 64MP Telephoto |
Front Camera | 10MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | HD, FHD, 4K UHD, 8K |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 34 hours |
Standby Time | Up to 11.8 days |
Dimensions | 161.6 x 75.2 x 8.3mm |
Weight | 194g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Pros
Cons
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Unlocked
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Storage
- 128GB
- Condition
- New
- Price
- $1,249*
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra (Unlocked) | 128GB | $1,249 |
| Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra (T-Mobile) | 128GB | $1,249 |
Screen Size | 6.9" |
Screen Resolution | 3088 x 1440 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus pixels |
Internal Memory | 128GB, 512GB |
Operating System | Android 10 |
Back Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide, 108MP Wide-angle, 12MP Telephoto |
Front Camera | 10MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | HD, FHD, 4K UHD, 8K |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 35 hours |
Standby Time | Up to 12 days |
Dimensions | 164.8 x 77.2 x 8.1mm |
Weight | 208g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | nano |
eSIM | Yes |
Pros
Cons
Compare the best prepaid Samsung phone deals
Model | Condition | Memory | Compatibility | Price | New | 128GB | Verizon | $399 | New | 32GB | T-Mobile | $229 | New | 64GB | T-Mobile | $279 | New | 128GB | T-Mobile | $399 | New | 128GB | T-Mobile | $499 | New | 128GB | T-Mobile | $599 | New | 128GB | T-Mobile | $949 | New | 128GB | T-Mobile | $1,249 | New | 128GB | T-Mobile | $699 | New | 128GB | AT&T | $629 | New | 128GB | T-Mobile | $799 | New | 128GB | T-Mobile | $1,249 | New | 128GB | T-Mobile | $999 | New | 256GB | T-Mobile | $1,399 |
|---|
Best cheap prepaid refurbished phones
Samsung Galaxy S8 Refurbished
- Network
- AT&T
- Storage
- 64GB
- Condition
- Refurbished
- Price
- $100
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S8 (Refurbished) | 64GB | $111 |
Screen Size | 5.8" |
Screen Resolution | 2960 x 1440 pixels |
HDR Screen | No pixels |
Processor | Snapdragon 835 pixels |
Internal Memory | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Operating System | Android 7.0 (Nougat) |
Back Camera | 12MP |
Front Camera | 8MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | HD, 4K |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 20 hours |
Dimensions | 148.9 x 68.1 x 8mm |
Weight | 155g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | No |
Model Number | SM-G950U |
User Manual |
Pros
Excellent camera
Large and amazing display
Headphone jack
MicroSD Support
Cons
Poor Battery life
Badly placed fingerprint sensor
Fragile
Samsung Galaxy S9 Refurbished
- Network
- AT&T
- Storage
- 64GB
- Condition
- Refurbished
- Price
- $117
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S9 (Refurbished) | 64GB | $117 |
| Samsung Galaxy S9 (Unlocked) | 64GB | $399 |
Screen Size | 5.8" |
Screen Resolution | 2960 x 1440 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | Snapdragon 845 pixels |
Internal Memory | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Operating System | Android 8.0 (Oreo) |
Back Camera | 12MP |
Front Camera | 8MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | HD, 4K |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Dimensions | 147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5mm |
Weight | 163g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | No |
Model Number | SM-G960U |
User Manual |
Pros
Good quality speakers
Quality still and video quality
Fast processor
Amazing AMOLED screen
Cons
No change with design
Expensive
Only 720p resolution
Samsung Galaxy S10 Refurbished
- Network
- Unlocked
- Storage
- 128GB
- Condition
- Refurbished
- Price
- $193
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S10 (Refurbished) | 128GB | $193 |
| Samsung Galaxy S10 (Unlocked) | 128GB | $599 |
Screen Size | 6.1" |
Screen Resolution | 3040 x 1440 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | Snapdragon 855 pixels |
Internal Memory | 128GB, 512GB |
Operating System | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
Back Camera | 12MP, 12MP, 16MP (Triple) |
Front Camera | 10MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 34 hours |
Standby Time | Up to 3.67 days |
Dimensions | 149.9 x 70.4 x 7.8mm |
Weight | 157 g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | No |
Model Number | SM-G973U |
User Manual |
Pros
Compact size
Amazing photo and video quality
Stunning display
Reverse wireless charging
Cons
Fingerprint reader accuracy
Average battery life
No auto focus on Ultra wide camera
Slow charging
Samsung Galaxy S20 5G Refurbished
- Network
- Verizon
- Storage
- 128GB
- Condition
- Refurbished
- Price
- $335
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S20 (Refurbished) | 128GB | $436 |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 (Unlocked) | 128GB | $699 |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 (AT&T) | 128GB | $529 |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 (Verizon) | 128GB | $529 |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 (T-Mobile) | 128GB | $699 |
Screen Size | 6.2" |
Screen Resolution | 3200 x 1440 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | Snapdragon 865 pixels |
Internal Memory | 128GB |
Operating System | Android 10.0 |
Back Camera | 12MP, 12MP, 64MP (Triple) |
Front Camera | 10MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 28 hours |
Standby Time | Up to 10 days |
Dimensions | 151.7 x 69.1 x 7.9mm |
Weight | 163g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | Yes |
User Manual |
Pros
Excellent camera
Brilliant screen
5G Connectivity
Cons
Expensive
Supports slower 5G
Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Refurbished
- Network
- AT&T
- Storage
- 256GB
- Condition
- Refurbished
- Price
- $318
| Device | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Note10 (Refurbished) | 256GB | $319 |
Screen Size | 6.3" |
Screen Resolution | 2280 x 1080 pixels |
HDR Screen | Yes pixels |
Processor | 7nm 64-bit Octa-Core Processor pixels |
Internal Memory | 256GB |
Operating System | Android 9.0 |
Back Camera | 16MP Ultra Wide, 12MP Wide-angle, 12MP Telephoto |
Front Camera | 10MP |
HDR for Photos | Yes |
Video Resolution | 4K, FHD, HD |
Wireless Charging | Yes |
Voice Commands | Yes |
Talk Time | Up to 35.38 hours |
Standby Time | Up to 12.6 days |
Dimensions | 151 x 71.8 x 7.9mm |
Weight | 168g |
Splash Proof | IP68 |
Water Resistant | Yes |
WiFi & 4G Calling | Yes |
GPS | Yes |
SIM Card | Nano |
eSIM | No |
Model Number | SM-N970U |
User Manual |
Pros
Bright OLED screen
Excellent battery life
Great sounding speakers
Great image quality from camera
Generous 256GB storage
Cons
No headphone jack
Night Mode needs work
Ultra-wide angle camera lacks autofocus
Compare the cheapest prepaid phone prices
Model | Condition | Memory | Compatibility | Price | Refurbished | 32GB | Verizon | $67 | Refurbished | 64GB | AT&T | $72 | Refurbished | 64GB | AT&T | $74 | Refurbished | 32GB | Unlocked | $81 | Refurbished | 32GB | Unlocked | $88 | Refurbished | 16GB | Unlocked | $92 | Refurbished | 32GB | T-Mobile | $95 | Refurbished | 32GB | AT&T | $96 | Refurbished | 32GB | Unlocked | $99 | Refurbished | 64GB | AT&T | $100 | Refurbished | 32GB | AT&T | $111 | Refurbished | 64GB | Unlocked | $112 | Refurbished | 64GB | AT&T | $117 | Refurbished | 64GB | AT&T | $129 | Refurbished | 64GB | Unlocked | $139 | Refurbished | 128GB | AT&T | $153 | Refurbished | 64GB | Unlocked | $160 | Refurbished | 32GB | T-Mobile | $162 | Refurbished | 128GB | Verizon | $165 | Refurbished | 64GB | Verizon | $175 | Refurbished | 128GB | AT&T | $192 | Refurbished | 128GB | Unlocked | $193 | Refurbished | 128GB | AT&T | $206 | Refurbished | 64GB | AT&T | $214 | Refurbished | 128GB | Unlocked | $230 | Refurbished | 64GB | Verizon | $247 | Refurbished | 64GB | Unlocked | $270 | Refurbished | 64GB | Unlocked | $290 | Refurbished | 256GB | AT&T | $318 | Refurbished | 128GB | Unlocked | $324 | Refurbished | 64GB | AT&T | $327 | Refurbished | 128GB | Verizon | $335 | Refurbished | 256GB | Verizon | $351 | Refurbished | 256GB | T-Mobile | $360 | Refurbished | 128GB | Verizon | $378 | Refurbished | 64GB | AT&T | $387 | Refurbished | 128GB | T-Mobile | $468 | Refurbished | 128GB | Verizon | $486 | Refurbished | 128GB | T-Mobile | $504 | Refurbished | 64GB | AT&T | $540 | Refurbished | 128GB | Verizon | $565 | Refurbished | 64GB | AT&T | $585 | Refurbished | 128GB | T-Mobile | $895 |
|---|
Prepaid phone benefits
Save money: Get your next mobile phone upgrade for less than half the retail price.
Get huge value: Since there are only a few minor changes to each new smartphone or iPhone version, you'll get way more bang for your buck when you buy refurbished or used.
Own your phone - and your freedom: Buying your phone outright and using it on a prepaid phone plan means you're in control of everything. You can switch carriers any time if you find a better deal.
Compatibility: You can choose a phone compatible with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, or even unlocked (so it can be used with any network).
Considerations when comparing prepaid phones
There are a few things you need to know in order to get the best deal and ensure that you're getting a gently used phone in great working condition.
Keep the following in mind as you compare prices on used (sold as-is) and refurbished (tested, cleaned, and repaired) prepaid phones:
Warranty: Reputable sites offer warranties with their used smartphones. Depending on which seller you buy from you might get 30 days, which is what Gazelle give you, or even a full year like Decluttr offers.
Return period: This is another layer of protection for your peace of mind. Most sellers give you the chance to return your phone if it doesn't meet your expectations. Check the website you buy from for details.
Certified pre-owned: A certified phone has been thoroughly inspected and tested to make sure everything functions properly.
Compatibility: You need an unlocked cell phone in order to activate it on your own carrier. Make sure the model you're buying will work with your network (you can usually check on your carrier's website).
Timing: Get the best cell phone deals when a new model of your desired phone comes out.
Payment options: It is possible to buy a used phone with installment payments, just watch the interest rates (you will undergo a credit check). It's typically much better to just pay in full at the time of purchase.
Sell your old phone online for cash
Sell your old phone online if you want to make more than you would trading it in at a store. It's as simple as that. Buyback sites make it easy and you get cash, not trade-in credit.
Best cheap prepaid cell phone plans
Carrier | Network | Minutes | Texts | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 2GB | $11** Extra 20% Off with code: MSP20 | |
T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 4GB | $15** $45 for 3 Months Service | |
Verizon & T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 12GB | $20Free Starter Kit with code: MSPUSM | |
T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | Unltd | $29.30** 25% Off for 6 Months | |
AT&T & T-Mobile | Unltd | Unltd | 1GB | $7.50** 50% Off for 3 Months |
Buying a prepaid phone is a great start to saving money on your wireless expenses. We're not done yet, though - there's more you can do to free up room in your budget for other things.
Switch to a cheaper prepaid plan
You don't have to go with a pay-as-you-go cell phone plan in order to save huge and avoid a contract. Instead, you can take your prepaid phone to an MVNO.
An MVNO is a smaller mobile service provider that rents space on one or more of the big three wireless networks - AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon - and resells it to you at a cheaper price. They can do this because most of them operate online selling prepaid plans, thus their overhead is much lower than the major carriers.
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile Plan Comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $660 per year
Carrier | Network Coverage | 4G LTE Data | Price | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile 4G LTE | Unltd* | $70/mo | $840/yr | |
| T-Mobile 4G LTE | 4GB | $15/mo | $180/yr | |
| *Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB | Savings | $55/mo | $660/yr | |
Prepaid carrier benefits
Cheaper by up to 50%
Cell phone service on the same reliable high-speed network you're used to
No-contract plans
Custom plans - pay only for what you need, similar to pay-as-you-go plans
Great customer service
Bring your own phone and keep your number
In short, you can put together a monthly plan that fits your needs, at a lower cost than the big three networks charge. Whether that means an unlimited data plan with unlimited talk and text, or the cheapest cell phone plan you can find, the options are out there.
Prepaid phones FAQs
How do prepaid phones work?
Prepaid phones work in the same way, but you're not tied into a lengthy contract, normally buying the phone outright. This provides you the flexibility of not being locked to a certain carrier or network and can save you money.
Who has the best prepaid cell phones?
The best value prepaid cell phones are available from MVNOs. Deals are changing constantly, but you'll find some affordable prices, and sometimes discounts, on certain handsets.
Are prepaid phones a good deal?
Compared to getting tied into a lengthy contract, prepaid phones could save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. As well as saving you money without a contract they give you the flexibility to change plans or phones when it suits you
Recap
Prepaid phones are a whole different ballgame than they were in the past. Now, you don't have to sacrifice anything in terms of your smartphone and wireless service:
Get the best cell phone deal by comparing phone prices from numerous prepaid carriers in one place.
Switch to a cheaper prepaid phone plan and save up to $600 per line.
Sell your old phone online for cash.
Following these tips can put an extra $1,000 more per year in your pocket!
Best Deal: iPhone 13 with 6 months free service