Rob has 15+ years experience running price comparison & review websites that empower consumers to find the cheapest cell phone services, cell phone deals, home phone, and internet providers available. He has been published in Forbes, US News, Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Inc.
MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.
Fancy getting the best no-contract phone while saving up to $600 a year, per line?
At a time when all your household costs are increasing, your cell phone bill doesn't need to be one of them. At MoneySavingPro we can help you find the phone you want, on your favorite network, at a much lower cost.
If you've not heard of MVNOs, you're not alone. They're low-cost carriers that operate on the three major US networks, offering the same 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage but with plans starting as low as $10 a month.
Buying a phone directly from a major network may look like a good deal initially but after factoring in the cost of their over-priced unlimited data plans over 3 years, you could end up paying as much as $2,000 more than you need to!
We've compiled a list of the latest no contract phones from low-cost carriers, so you can find the best phone deal at the cheapest price without sacrificing your wireless service.
The Apple iPhone 13 mini has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.4 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone 13 mini is available from Red Pocket with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $26/mo.
The Apple iPhone 13 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone 13 is available from Red Pocket with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $30/mo.
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone 13 Pro is available from Red Pocket with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $37/mo.
The Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.7 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone 13 Pro Max is available from Red Pocket with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $42/mo.
The Apple iPhone 12 mini has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.4 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone 12 mini is available from Red Pocket with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $26/mo.
The Apple iPhone 12 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone 12 is available from Red Pocket with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $30/mo.
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone 12 Pro is available from Red Pocket with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $33/mo.
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.7 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone 12 Pro Max is available from Red Pocket with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $37/mo.
The Apple iPhone SE 2 (2020) has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 4.7 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone SE 2 (2020) is available from Twigby with Verizon network coverage and prices starting from $40/mo.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.2 inches screen and 64 MP camera. This new Galaxy S21 is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $15/mo.
Best Deals
Device
128GB
Samsung Galaxy S21 T-Mobile
$15/mo
Samsung Galaxy S21 Unlocked
$15/mo
Samsung Galaxy S21+
Retailer
Ultra Mobile
Storage
128GB
Network
T-Mobile
Condition
NEW
Price
$42/mo
0% APR for 24 mths
out of stock
out of stock
The Samsung Galaxy S21+ has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.7 inches screen and 64 MP camera. This new Galaxy S21+ is available from Ultra Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $42/mo.
Best Deals
Device
128GB
Samsung Galaxy S21+ T-Mobile
$42/mo
Samsung Galaxy S21+ Unlocked
$42/mo
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Retailer
Ultra Mobile
Storage
128GB
Network
T-Mobile
Condition
NEW
Price
$46/mo
0% APR for 24 mths
out of stock
out of stock
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.8 inches screen and 108 MP camera. This new Galaxy S21 Ultra is available from Ultra Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $46/mo.
Best Deals
Device
128GB
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra T-Mobile
$46/mo
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Unlocked
$46/mo
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
Retailer
Ultra Mobile
Storage
128GB
Network
T-Mobile
Condition
NEW
Price
$31/mo
0% APR for 24 mths
out of stock
out of stock
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.5 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new Galaxy S20 FE is available from Ultra Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $31/mo.
The Samsung Galaxy S20 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.2 inches screen and 64 MP camera. This new Galaxy S20 is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $25/mo.
Best Deals
Device
128GB
Samsung Galaxy S20 T-Mobile
$25/mo
Samsung Galaxy S20 Unlocked
$25/mo
Cheap Samsung phones
Best no contract Android phones
Best One Plus phones
OnePlus Nord N10
Retailer
Ultra Mobile
Storage
128GB
Network
T-Mobile
Condition
NEW
Price
$15/mo
0% APR for 24 mths
out of stock
out of stock
The OnePlus Nord N10 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.49 inches screen and 64 MP camera. This new Nord N10 is available from Ultra Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $15/mo.
The Motorola Moto G Power has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.4 inches screen and 16 MP camera. This new Moto G Power is available from US Mobile with Verizon & T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $14/mo.
Best Deals
Device
32GB
64GB
Motorola Moto G Power Unlocked
$14/mo
$14/mo
Best Nokia phones
Best no contract phones benefits
If flexibility is important, no contract cell phones offer the freedom of no long-term commitment.
You'll find all the same phones as with the big three, from the latest Apple iPhones to the best Android phones, and many more.
Check out the benefits of purchasing phones with MVNOs.
Save money: Low-cost carriers offer the cheapest no contract phones while saving you up to $600 per year, per line.
Latest cell phones: Offering the same phones as the big three, but without the three-year contract.
No long-term commitment: With no-contract cell phones you're not tied to a lengthy contract and there are no additional costs if your needs change.
Cheap monthly payments: Many low-cost carriers offer affordable interest-free payment plans on their phones along with cell phone plans starting from only $10 a month.
Unlimited data plan: There's still the option of unlimited data phone plans, however unlimited doesn't always mean unlimited, so be sure to check the small print.
5G compatible: If you want access to the fast 5G network, there are plenty of no-contract 5G phones to choose from.
iPhone deals: You'll find a variety of no contract iPhone deals, whether you're looking for the latest Apple iPhone or a cheap iPhone SE.
Phones for seniors: Choose from a range of no-contract phones suitable for seniors, including basic cell phones or the latest iPhone or Samsung Galaxy.
Phones for kids: If your kid wants their first phone, MVNOs offer no-contract budget phones as well as the latest smartphones. For even more savings they offer the best family phone plans with multi-line discounts.
Best no contract T-Mobile phones
You'll find attractive T-Mobile prepaid phones from small carriers such as Mint Mobile and Ting. Compare prices side-by-side on the iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, plus the Max and mini.
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.
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 no contract 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 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 comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage:Save $660 per year
Carrier
Network Coverage
4G/5G Data
Price
Annual Cost
T-Mobile
T-Mobile 4G & 5G
Unltd*
$70/mo
$840/yr
Mint Mobile
T-Mobile 4G & 5G
5GB
$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
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.
No contract phones FAQs
What is a no contract phone?
A prepaid phone provides more freedom, as you're not tied into a lengthy contract or locked to one particular network or carrier. With prepaid phones, you pay for the phone upfront, but some carriers offer an interest-free monthly installment plan.
How do no contract phones work?
Prepaid phones work exactly the same way, except there's no contract and you're not locked into one network. So you have the flexibility to change carriers or phones whenever it suits you.
Where can I buy a no contract phone?
MVNOs like Mint Mobile offers a great selection of prepaid cell phones, with some carriers offering monthly payment plans with 0% interest. You can easily pair up a prepaid phone with a cheap MVNO prepaid plan.
Recap
Whether you're looking for the latest iPhone or just a cheap cell phone, Mobile Virtual Network Operators can save you hundreds of dollars a year with a no-contract phone.
MVNOs, like Mint Mobile or Visible, offer no-contract phones with cheap plans, often with interest-free payments over 12-24 months.
Although the major networks offer to finance over 36 months, being tied into their over-priced unlimited data plans for 3 years could mean wasting as much as $2,000!
