The 5 Best Cheap Unlocked Phones in 2023

What are the best cheap unlocked phones?

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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.

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.

Cheap unlocked iPhone deals

Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) front

Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen)

  • 64GB storage
  • Verizon 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • NEW condition
  • $229 $160 full price
$40/mo* 0% APR for 4 mths
See Deal

The Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 4.7 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This new iPhone SE (2nd Gen) is available from Twigby with Verizon network coverage and prices starting from $40/mo.

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 front

Apple iPhone 12

  • 64GB storage
  • AT&T 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • NEW condition
  • $729 full price
$30/mo* 0% APR for 24 mths
See Deal

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.

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 13 front

Apple iPhone 13

  • 128GB storage
  • T-Mobile 5G & 4G LTE networks
  • NEW condition
  • $629 full price
$26/mo* 0% APR for 24 mths
See Deal

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 Mint Mobile with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $26/mo.

Pros

  • Super Retina XDR OLED display
  • 4K video recording
  • 5G compatible
  • Improved battery
  • A15 Bionic chip

Cons

  • No design upgrade

Compare unlocked iPhone prices

Device 64GB128GB256GB
Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen) $18/mo $20/mo $24/mo
Apple iPhone 12 mini $21/mo $28/mo $32/mo
Apple iPhone 13 mini - $26/mo $30/mo
Apple iPhone 13 - $26/mo -
Apple iPhone 15 - $29/mo $33/mo
Apple iPhone 12 $30/mo $32/mo -
Apple iPhone 12 Pro - $33/mo -
Apple iPhone 15 Plus - $33/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.

Compare cheap prepaid cell phone plans

Carrier Network Data Price
Tello 2GB plan T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage 2GB $10/mo
Boost Mobile 5GB plan AT&T & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage 5GB $5/mo $15/mo
Mint Mobile 15GB plan T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage 15GB $10/mo $20/mo
Mint Mobile unlimited data plan T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage Unltd $15/mo $30/mo
US Mobile 30GB plan Verizon & T-Mobile 5G/4G Coverage 30GB $0/mo $50/mo

T-Mobile vs Boost Mobile comparison

Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $612 per year

Carrier Network Coverage 4G/5G Data Price Annual Cost
T-Mobile T-Mobile 4G & 5G Unlimited $75/mo $900/yr
Boost Mobile T-Mobile 4G & 5G Unlimited $25/mo $288/yr
Savings $50/mo $612/yr

Switch to a cheap prepaid phone carrier

Thinking about switching carriers? Now's a great time. Save about $600 a year by switching to one of the best MVNOs.

MVNOs - Mobile Virtual Network Operators - are cheap cell phone providers that use the same networks as the big three carriers.

The low cost carriers operate mostly online and have lower overhead, which means they can offer you cheap cell phone plans starting at just $10 per month without compromising your quality of service.


Cheap unlocked phones FAQs


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.

Unlocked cell phone guides

Compare Smartphone Prices
MSRP: $429
$ 18 /mo *
0% APR for 24 mths * Get 6 Months FREE service
See Deals Full price: $429 $429
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