Founder
About Rob
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.
Rob's Expertise
5G wireless networks, cell phone plans, cell phone deals, MVNOs, internet services, tablets, comparison shopping, money saving, reviewing telecom products & services
MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.
If you're looking for the best-unlocked GSM phone, we can help you get the best deal 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 GSM 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 GSM 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 unlocked GSM phones from low-cost carriers, so you can find the best phone deal at the cheapest price without sacrificing your wireless service.
Unlocked GSM phone deals
Best unlocked GSM iPhones
Unlocked iPhone SE prices
Apple iPhone SE
* Save $100 plus $200 rebate
- Retailer
- Red Pocket
- Storage
- 64GB
- Network
- AT&T
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$14/mo* 0% APR for 24 mths
The Apple iPhone SE has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 4.7 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone SE is available from Red Pocket with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $14/mo.
| Device | 64GB | 128GB | 256GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone SE AT&T | $14/mo | $16/mo | $20/mo |
| Apple iPhone SE Verizon | $39/mo | - | - |
| Apple iPhone SE T-Mobile | $39/mo | $40/mo | $48/mo |
| Apple iPhone SE Unlocked | $14/mo | $16/mo | $20/mo |
Unlocked iPhone 13 prices
Apple iPhone 13 mini
* Save $100 plus $200 rebate
- Retailer
- Red Pocket
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- AT&T
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$22/mo* 0% APR for 24 mths
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 $22/mo.
| Device | 128GB | 256GB | 512GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 13 mini AT&T | $22/mo | $30/mo | $35/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 mini Verizon | $71/mo | $69/mo | $86/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 mini T-Mobile | $71/mo | $69/mo | $86/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 mini Unlocked | $22/mo | $30/mo | $35/mo |
Apple iPhone 13
* Save $100 plus $200 rebate
- Retailer
- Red Pocket
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- AT&T
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$26/mo* 0% APR for 24 mths
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 $26/mo.
| Device | 128GB | 256GB | 512GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 13 AT&T | $26/mo | $30/mo | $39/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 Verizon | $74/mo | $56/mo | $63/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 T-Mobile | $74/mo | $30/mo | $30/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 Unlocked | $26/mo | $30/mo | $39/mo |
Apple iPhone 13 Pro
* Save $100 plus $200 rebate
- Retailer
- Red Pocket
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- AT&T
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$33/mo* 0% APR for 24 mths
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 $33/mo.
| Device | 128GB | 256GB | 512GB | 1TB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro AT&T | $33/mo | $37/mo | $46/mo | $54/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Verizon | - | $67/mo | $72/mo | $83/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro T-Mobile | $42/mo | $46/mo | $54/mo | $62/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Unlocked | $33/mo | $37/mo | $46/mo | $54/mo |
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
* Save $100 plus $200 rebate
- Retailer
- Red Pocket
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- AT&T
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$37/mo* 0% APR for 24 mths
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 $37/mo.
| Device | 128GB | 256GB | 512GB | 1TB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max AT&T | $37/mo | $42/mo | $50/mo | $58/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max Verizon | - | $72/mo | $78/mo | $89/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max T-Mobile | $46/mo | $50/mo | $58/mo | $67/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max Unlocked | $37/mo | $42/mo | $50/mo | $58/mo |
Unlocked iPhone 12 prices
Apple iPhone 12 mini
* Save $100 with phone service
- Retailer
- Red Pocket
- Storage
- 64GB
- Network
- AT&T
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$22/mo* 0% APR for 24 mths
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 $22/mo.
| Device | 64GB | 128GB | 256GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 mini AT&T | $22/mo | $24/mo | $28/mo |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini Verizon | $61/mo | - | $73/mo |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini T-Mobile | $61/mo | - | $73/mo |
| Apple iPhone 12 mini Unlocked | $22/mo | $24/mo | $28/mo |
Apple iPhone 12
- Retailer
- US Mobile
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- Verizon
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$71/mo 15% APR for 12 mths
The Apple iPhone 12 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone 12 is available from US Mobile with Verizon & T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $71/mo.
| Device | 64GB | 128GB | 256GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 AT&T | $26/mo | $28/mo | $32/mo |
| Apple iPhone 12 Verizon | - | $71/mo | $83/mo |
| Apple iPhone 12 T-Mobile | - | $71/mo | $83/mo |
| Apple iPhone 12 Unlocked | $26/mo | $71/mo | $32/mo |
Apple iPhone 12 Pro
* Save $100 plus $200 rebate
- Retailer
- Red Pocket
- Storage
- 256GB
- Network
- AT&T
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$33/mo* 0% APR for 24 mths
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro has 256GB 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.
| Device | 256GB | 512GB | 128GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro AT&T | $33/mo | $42/mo | $33/mo |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Verizon | $92/mo | - | - |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro T-Mobile | $92/mo | - | - |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Unlocked | $33/mo | $42/mo | $33/mo |
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
* Save $100 plus $200 rebate
- Retailer
- Red Pocket
- Storage
- 256GB
- Network
- AT&T
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$37/mo* 0% APR for 24 mths
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has 256GB 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.
| Device | 256GB | 512GB | 128GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max AT&T | $37/mo | $46/mo | $37/mo |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Verizon | $100/mo | $117/mo | - |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max T-Mobile | $100/mo | $117/mo | - |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Unlocked | $37/mo | $46/mo | $37/mo |
Compare the best iPhone deals
Unlocked GSM Samsung phones
Samsung Galaxy S22
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Mint Mobile
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$29/mo* 0% APR for 24 mths
The Samsung Galaxy S22 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 50 MP, 12 MP, 10 MP camera. This new Galaxy S22 is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $29/mo.
| Device | 128GB |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S22 Verizon | $73/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy S22 T-Mobile | $29/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy S22 Unlocked | $29/mo |
Samsung Galaxy S22+
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Mint Mobile
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$33/mo* 0% APR for 24 mths
The Samsung Galaxy S22+ has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.6 inches screen and 50 MP, 12 MP, 10 MP camera. This new Galaxy S22+ is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $33/mo.
| Device | 128GB |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S22+ Verizon | $63/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy S22+ T-Mobile | $33/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy S22+ Unlocked | $33/mo |
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Mint Mobile
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$37/mo* 0% APR for 24 mths
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.8 inches screen and 12 MP, 108 MP, 10 MP, 10 MP camera. This new Galaxy S22 Ultra is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $37/mo.
| Device | 128GB |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Verizon | $75/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra T-Mobile | $37/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Unlocked | $37/mo |
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Mint Mobile
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$20/mo* 0% APR for 24 mths
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.4 inches screen and 12 MP, 12 MP, 8 MP camera. This new Galaxy S21 FE is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $20/mo.
| Device | 128GB |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Verizon | $64/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 FE T-Mobile | $20/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 FE Unlocked | $20/mo |
Samsung Galaxy S21
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Mint Mobile
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$21/mo* 0% APR for 24 mths
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 $21/mo.
| Device | 128GB |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S21 T-Mobile | $21/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 Unlocked | $21/mo |
Samsung Galaxy S21+
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Mint Mobile
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$20/mo* 0% APR for 24 mths
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 Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $20/mo.
| Device | 128GB |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S21+ T-Mobile | $20/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy S21+ Unlocked | $20/mo |
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Mint Mobile
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$46/mo* 0% APR for 24 mths
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 Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $46/mo.
| Device | 128GB |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra T-Mobile | $46/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra Unlocked | $46/mo |
Samsung Galaxy S20
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Mint Mobile
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$17/mo* 0% APR for 18 mths
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 $17/mo.
| Device | 128GB |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S20 AT&T | $529 |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 T-Mobile | $17/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 Unlocked | $17/mo |
Samsung Galaxy S20+
- Retailer
- Red Pocket
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- AT&T
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
- $750
The Samsung Galaxy S20+ has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.7 inches screen and 64 MP camera. This new Galaxy S20+ is available from Red Pocket with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $750.
| Device | 128GB |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S20+ AT&T | $750 |
| Samsung Galaxy S20+ Unlocked | $750 |
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Mint Mobile
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$19/mo* 0% APR for 24 mths
The Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.9 inches screen and 108 MP camera. This new Galaxy S20 Ultra is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $19/mo.
| Device | 128GB |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra T-Mobile | $19/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra Unlocked | $19/mo |
Samsung Galaxy Note20
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Mint Mobile
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$19/mo* 0% APR for 24 mths
The Samsung Galaxy Note20 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.7 inches screen and 64 MP camera. This new Galaxy Note20 is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $19/mo.
| Device | 128GB |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Note20 T-Mobile | $19/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy Note20 Unlocked | $19/mo |
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Mint Mobile
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$25/mo* 0% APR for 24 mths
The Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.9 inches screen and 108 MP camera. This new Galaxy Note20 Ultra is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $25/mo.
| Device | 128GB |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra T-Mobile | $25/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra Unlocked | $25/mo |
Compare the best Samsung phones
Unlocked GSM Motorola phones
Motorola Moto G7 REVVLRY
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Mint Mobile
- Storage
- 32GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$9/mo* 0% APR for 12 mths
The Motorola Moto G7 REVVLRY has 32GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.7 inches screen and 13 MP camera. This new Moto G7 REVVLRY is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $9/mo.
| Device | 32GB |
|---|---|
| Motorola Moto G7 REVVLRY Unlocked | $9/mo |
Motorola Moto One Ace
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Mint Mobile
- Storage
- 64GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$11/mo* 0% APR for 18 mths
The Motorola Moto One Ace has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.7 inches screen and 48 MP camera. This new Moto One Ace is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $11/mo.
| Device | 64GB | 128GB |
|---|---|---|
| Motorola Moto One Ace Unlocked | $11/mo | $19/mo |
Motorola Moto Edge
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Mint Mobile
- Storage
- 256GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$15/mo* 0% APR for 24 mths
The Motorola Moto Edge has 256GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.7 inches screen and 64 MP camera. This new Moto Edge is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $15/mo.
| Device | 256GB |
|---|---|
| Motorola Moto Edge Unlocked | $15/mo |
Compare the best Motorola phones
Unlocked GSM Nokia phones
Compare the best Nokia phones
Unlocked GSM OnePlus phones
OnePlus Nord N200
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Ultra Mobile
- Storage
- 64GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$13/mo* 0% APR for 24 mths
The OnePlus Nord N200 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.5 inches screen and 13 MP camera. This new Nord N200 is available from Ultra Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $13/mo.
| Device | 64GB |
|---|---|
| OnePlus Nord N200 Unlocked | $13/mo |
OnePlus Nord N200
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Ultra Mobile
- Storage
- 64GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$13/mo* 0% APR for 24 mths
The OnePlus Nord N200 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.5 inches screen and 13 MP camera. This new Nord N200 is available from Ultra Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $13/mo.
| Device | 64GB |
|---|---|
| OnePlus Nord N200 Unlocked | $13/mo |
Compare the best OnePlus phones
Unlocked GSM LG phones
LG Stylo 6
* $50 Off with 12 Month Plan
- Retailer
- Mint Mobile
- Storage
- 64GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$9/mo* 0% APR for 18 mths
The LG Stylo 6 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.8 inches screen and 13 MP camera. This new Stylo 6 is available from Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $9/mo.
| Device | 64GB |
|---|---|
| LG Stylo 6 Unlocked | $9/mo |
Compare the best LG phones
Unlocked GSM phones benefits
You'll find all the same GSM phones as with the big three, from the latest Apple iPhone to budget-friendly Samsung Galaxy phones.
If flexibility is important, unlocked GSM phones give you the freedom of not being tied to one carrier. And there are a number of other benefits to purchasing unlocked cell phones from low-cost carriers.
Save money: Low-cost carriers offer the best-unlocked GSM 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.
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 unlocked 5G phones on the GSM network to choose from.
Phones for seniors: Choose from a range of unlocked cell phones for seniors on the GSM network, including basic cell phones or popular flip phones.
Phones for kids: Low-cost carriers offer a variety of budget phones as well as the latest iPhone. For even more savings they offer the best family phone plans with multi-line discounts.
What is a GSM phone?
GSM: This stands for Global System for Mobile communications. It refers to the specific technology used by AT&T and T-Mobile. When you buy a phone from either of those two carriers you're getting a GSM device.
CDMA: Code Division Multiple Access, or CDMA, is the type of phone technology Verizon Wireless and Sprint use on their wireless networks.
Locked vs unlocked phones
What we mean when we talk about buying an unlocked phone is making sure you have a device that gives you the freedom to choose your own carrier.
Locked cell phones: A locked smartphone can only be used on the network that sold it. For instance, if you bought a Sprint phone with your Sprint plan, that device is locked to Sprint service, at least until it's paid off.
Unlocked cell phones: With an unlocked device you can pick the best cell phone plan for your budget and needs without worrying about switching carriers. Read our guide on how to unlock your phone.
Best GSM phone carriers
We already know you're into saving money. There's a simple way to save hundreds more each year, by switching your wireless service to an MVNO.
Best T-Mobile GSM phone carrier
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
10GB
4G/5G data
$20 /mo*
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $600 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 |
10GB |
$20/mo |
$240/yr |
*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB |
Savings |
$50/mo |
$600/yr |
|
Best AT&T GSM phone carrier
Unlimited mins
Unlimited texts
6GB
4G/5G data
$25 /mo*
AT&T vs Good2Go Mobile comparison
Keep your AT&T phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year
Carrier |
Network Coverage |
4G/5G Data |
Price |
Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
AT&T |
AT&T 4G & 5G | Unltd* |
$75/mo |
$900/yr |
Good2Go Mobile |
AT&T 4G & 5G |
6GB |
$25/mo |
$300/yr |
*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB |
Savings |
$50/mo |
$600/yr |
|
GSM phone carrier benefits
MVNO stands for Mobile Virtual Network Operator. It's a long name for a simple thing - a wireless carrier that rents space on the big guys' networks instead of owning its own infrastructure.
MVNOs can offer you much better rates on your wireless service because they don't have the high overhead associated with retail stores, nor do they have the major marketing costs.
There are several reasons that MVNOs are great for you, the consumer:
You get the same reliable 4G network as you do with the major carriers.
You save 50% or more on your cell phone bill.
No contracts or credit checks, and no overage or early termination fees.
You pick and choose a custom plan to fit your budget.
Alternative wireless carriers have high customer support ratings.
It's simple to switch - order a new SIM card online and pop it in.
Bring your own phone and keep your number.
Cheapest GSM phone plans
Carrier |
Network | Data |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile | 1GB |
$10/mo |
|
Verizon & T-Mobile | 5GB |
$15/mo |
|
T-Mobile | 10GB |
$20/mo |
|
AT&T & T-Mobile | Unltd |
$25/mo |
|
T-Mobile | 2GB |
$20/mo |
GSM phones FAQs
What are GSM carriers?
The big GSM carriers are T-Mobile and AT&T. As Sprint and T-Mobile merge, Sprint customers will move over to the GSM network.
Where can I buy a GSM phone?
You can buy a GSM device from a network provider on the GSM network.
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.
MVNOs, like Mint Mobile or Visible, offer unlocked GSM 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!
Compare deals from low-cost carriers to find the best unlocked GSM phones at the cheapest price.
