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
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Are you looking for the cheapest unlocked phone? We can help you find 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 unlocked 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 cheapest unlocked phones from low-cost carriers, so you can find the best phone deal at the cheapest price without sacrificing your wireless service.
Cheapest unlocked cell phones
Best cheap unlocked iPhones
Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen)
- Retailer
- US Mobile
- Storage
- 128GB
- Network
- Verizon
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$37/mo 15% APR for 12 mths
The Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 4.7 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone SE (2nd Gen) is available from US Mobile with Verizon & T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $37/mo.
| Device | 128GB | 64GB | 256GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) Verizon | $37/mo | $39/mo | $46/mo |
| Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) T-Mobile | $37/mo | $39/mo | $46/mo |
| Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) Unlocked | $37/mo | $39/mo | $46/mo |
Apple iPhone 11
* Save $100 with phone service
- Retailer
- Red Pocket
- Storage
- 64GB
- Network
- AT&T
- Condition
- NEW
- Price
-
$17/mo* 0% APR for 24 mths
The Apple iPhone 11 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone 11 is available from Red Pocket with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $17/mo.
| Device | 64GB | 128GB | 256GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 11 AT&T | $17/mo | $19/mo | $27/mo |
| Apple iPhone 11 Unlocked | $17/mo | $19/mo | $27/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 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 |
Cheapest unlocked iPhone prices
| Device | 64GB | 128GB | 256GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone SE | $14/mo | $16/mo | $20/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 mini | - | $22/mo | - |
| Apple iPhone 13 | - | $26/mo | $30/mo |
| Apple iPhone 14 | - | $30/mo | $35/mo |
| Apple iPhone 13 Pro | - | $33/mo | - |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro | - | - | $33/mo |
| Apple iPhone 14 Plus | - | $35/mo | - |
Best cheap unlocked Samsung phones
Cheapest unlocked Samsung phone prices
| Device | 32GB | 128GB | 64GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy A03s | $9/mo | - | - |
| Samsung Galaxy S10e | - | $11/mo | - |
| Samsung Galaxy A13 | - | - | $12/mo |
| Samsung Galaxy S10 | - | $13/mo | - |
| Samsung Galaxy S10+ | - | $17/mo | - |
| Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra | - | $19/mo | - |
| Samsung Galaxy Note20 | - | $19/mo | - |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 FE | - | $20/mo | - |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 | - | $21/mo | - |
Cheapest unlocked phones benefits
Low-cost carriers offer the same phones as the big three, from the latest Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy phones to budget-friendly Motorola phones.
If flexibility is important, unlocked cell phones from MVNOs can give you the freedom you're looking for, along with plenty of other benefits.
Save money: Low-cost carriers offer the cheapest unlocked phones while saving you up to $600 per year, per line.
No long-term commitment: Find a selection of unlocked cell phones that don't tie you to one network or carrier. So you can leave at any time without additional costs.
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 cheap unlocked 5G phones to choose from.
iPhone deals: Whether you're looking for the latest Apple iPhone or a cheap iPhone SE, you'll find the cheapest unlocked iPhones with MVNOs.
Phones for seniors: Choose from a range of the cheapest unlocked cell phones suitable for seniors, including basic cell phones or popular flip phones.
Phones for kids: Low-cost carriers offer a variety of cheap unlocked phones, and for even more savings they offer the best family phone plans with multi-line discounts.
Cheap refurbished unlocked phones
Refurbished unlocked iPhones
Apple iPhone 7
The Apple iPhone 7 has 32GB storage capacity. It includes a 4.7 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 7 is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $72.
Apple iPhone 8
*$40 off
- Retailer
- Tello
- Storage
- 64GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- REFURBISHED
- Price
-
$239* MSRP: $279
The Apple iPhone 8 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 4.7 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 8 is available from Tello with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $239.
Apple iPhone XR
The Apple iPhone XR has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This refurbished iPhone XR is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $185.
Refurbished unlocked Samsung phones
Samsung Galaxy S10
The Samsung Galaxy S10 has 128GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 16 MP camera. This refurbished Galaxy S10 is available from Back Market with T-Mobile, Verizon & AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $160.
Cheapest cell phone plans
Carrier |
Network | Data |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile | 1GB |
$10/mo |
|
T-Mobile | 2GB |
$20/mo |
|
T-Mobile | 4GB |
$15/mo |
|
Verizon & T-Mobile | 15GB |
$20/mo |
|
AT&T & T-Mobile | Unltd |
$25/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 |
|
Cheap unlocked phones FAQs
Who has the cheapest unlocked phones?
The best value unlocked phones are available from MVNOs. Deals are changing constantly, but you'll find some affordable prices, and sometimes discounts, on certain handsets.
Are unlocked phones a good deal?
Compared to getting tied into a lengthy contract, unlocked cell 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
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 Visible or Mint Mobile, offer unlocked 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 cell phones at the cheapest price.
