The 10 Best Unlocked Cell Phones
Updated by · How we research
Carrier support varies even among unlocked phones. Ten compared on price, years of updates, battery and cameras, with the Google Pixel 11 first. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
Update promises run from three years of security patches to seven years of updates, and a phone without patches is a risk whatever its specs. An unlocked cell phone isn't tied to one carrier, so it takes a SIM or eSIM from AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, a prepaid brand or a travel plan. People buy unlocked to switch plans freely or to pay less each month.
At a Glance
Editor's Notes
October 18, 2026, by Ezvid Wiki Admin:
Two Google phones top the list: the Google Pixel 11 and, close behind, the Google Pixel 10a for anyone who wants the same seven years of updates for less. Every phone on the old list came out in 2020, and none still gets regular software updates. That matters more than speed. A phone without security patches is a risk, whatever its specs. So the whole list is new. The Xiaomi, Poco and Realme picks also had spotty support on U.S. networks, which is a bad trait in a phone you buy to work anywhere.
Motorola and Samsung cover the budget end, and the Motorola Razr Ultra (2026) is here for flip fans. New iPhones are sold unlocked by Apple itself, so they sit in Special Honors.
We didn't handle these phones. We compared reviews from Wired, PCMag, Tom's Guide and Wirecutter, spec sheets and owner feedback, and checked recall records.
December 16, 2020:
First of all, we want to help out as many prospective buyers as possible, so we've omitted most of the super-high-end phones that cost so much. A lot of buyers love those models, and for good reason, but we want to provide options that might not have so much media coverage, so we can give everyone a chance to enjoy high-end modern smartphones.
To that end, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE garnered the top spot because, honestly, it's barely distinguishable from the more high-end models in many ways, and will easily satisfy almost any Android user for years. The OnePlus Pro 8 is in a similar boat, demanding a high price, but not as high as some, and offering a host of premium features. As far as Apple fans are concerned, it's not as easy to find unlocked late-model iPhones, but the Apple iPhone SE makes that almost irrelevant, because it's not only among the best-performing options, but it's also one of the smallest models released this year, by far. Plus, for an Apple device, it's actually well priced.
Of course, we'd be remiss to not mention the Google Pixel 5 and Google Pixel 4a. Both are excellent mobile devices, with great performance and great cameras - especially the 5 - although, curiously, Google still refuses to offer expandable microSD storage. Nonetheless, if you don't need a ton of extra onboard memory, both are widely considered top-quality options.
But the real gems of the modern releases are the mid-range, affordable smartphones. Options like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro and Xiaomi Poco X3 are awfully hard to top. They boast many of the same features that come with phones twice as expensive, but they work great in almost all respects, especially photography. The Realme 6 is another top contender at a good price, and the Moto G Stylus is a surprisingly strong contender against Samsung's vaunted Note series.
April 26, 2019:
There are so many smartphones to choose from that it can be a pretty intimidating task. And while it's not economically feasible for most people to upgrade their phone on a regular basis, the fact is that there are enough new models to ensure that there's something for everyone's needs, and in everyone's price range. In that vein, one of the reasons behind buying an unlocked phone is the versatility that comes with it. You won't however, have access to the common carrier-based discounts or payment plans when buying a standalone device, and that requirement for a lump sum payment can limit some people's choices. If price is no object, by all means, go ahead and get the Samsung S10, or if you're even more adventurous, the iPhone XR. They're both amazing pieces of equipment, if you can afford them. The Google Pixel XL 3 is slightly less expensive, though, and many users report being absolutely thrilled with its display and especially its camera performance. Speaking of cameras, the Huawei Mate 20 boasts a fantastic triple-lens imaging system, which has been the subject of many positive reviews. The Xperia XZ3 and OnePlus 6T are in the entry-level flagship price range and offer all-around fantastic and snappy performance, and as they fit in your pocket and their battery life suffices, you won't be disappointed.
If you're more into a functional phone than a trendy one, though, there are some really great options on our list. The Xiaomi is an excellent budget-oriented option for international travel. It's lightweight, accepts two SIM cards, and performs just about as well as any. The LG V35 ThinQ performs even better, and in fact is pretty reasonably priced in light of the powerful hardware inside it.
Finally, two models stand out for very specific reasons that don't always get a lot of press in the modern world of smartphones. The Moto G6 costs next to nothing compared to most others, especially considering its support for GSM and CDMA networks. It doesn't bring along buzzwords or eye-catching features like a massive and expensive flagship design would, but it's almost unbeatable as far as bang for the buck.
And the Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact, while not even the latest of Sony's line, is likely one of the last compact flagship-level phones that will ever be released. If you're like me, and you value functionality and ease of use over the ability to binge-watch TV on your phone, I'd strongly consider this model. It has incredible battery life, a 3.5-millimeter audio jack, and squared off sides that are easy to grip and hard to lose hold of. Its successor, the XZ2 Compact, can claim none of those three things. The XZ1C is remarkably small and will fit unobtrusively into many pockets where a Galaxy-sized model could never dream of going. In fact, after extensive research in early 2019, I switched to an Xperia XZ1 Compact after my Moto Z2 Force was pickpocketed in a music venue. It's more than powerful enough to support a slick Android Pie experience, and as a phone, navigational device, and occasional web browser, it's every bit as functional as anything else. Also, we'd recommend springing for the international version, as the US variant has had its fingerprint reader disabled, and the only way to enable it is to flash the unit with an international version of Android, which is something we definitely would not recommend, as that could mess up the phone's automatic updates. While its small screen is not ideal for watching media, that's probably its only drawback, and it's why we recommend it over a large handful of newer models. Unfortunately, Sony has discontinued its Compact line, so unless you want to downgrade to the iPhone SE, it's just about the last truly pocket-size option you may ever have.
Special Honors
Apple iPhone 17 And iPhone 17e Apple sells new iPhones unlocked on its own store, while most other stores sell them tied to a carrier or as renewed units. PCMag names the iPhone 17 its best iPhone, and Tom's Guide picks the iPhone 17e as the best low-cost iPhone. U.S. iPhones use eSIM only, so check that your carrier supports it before you buy. apple.com
Will It Work On Your Carrier?
If you already own a carrier-locked phone, the carrier must unlock it once you meet its terms, usually after the phone is paid off.
Unlocked means no carrier owns the phone, but it doesn't mean every phone works fully on every network. A phone has to support your carrier's radio bands and its calling technology. Phones sold in the U.S. version by Google, Samsung and Motorola generally work on AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon, and Wired lists carrier fit for each phone it reviews. Imports are the risk. Wired reports AT&T and Verizon issues with the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro, and it says the Fairphone Gen 6+ doesn't work on Verizon at all.
Watch for international or global versions sold next to U.S. models. They can miss U.S. bands and often carry no U.S. warranty. The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G listed here is the U.S. version with a one-year warranty for that reason.
If you already own a carrier-locked phone, the carrier must unlock it once you meet its terms, usually after the phone is paid off. The FCC's unlocking guide explains the rules. Many newer phones also use an eSIM instead of, or alongside, a plastic SIM card, so ask your carrier how to move your number before you switch.
Years Of Updates Matter More Than Speed
A phone is only as safe as its last security patch. Google and Samsung now promise seven years of updates on their main phones, according to Wired, and the Google Pixel 10a gets the same promise at a midrange price. Samsung gives even its cheap Galaxy A17 5G six Android upgrades and six years of patches, and PCMag counts that support as a main reason to buy it.
Motorola is the weak spot. Its budget Moto G phones get two Android upgrades and three years of security patches, and even the Razr Ultra (2026) gets three upgrades and five years. A cheap phone that stops getting patches in three years can cost more per year than a pricier one that lasts seven.
If you keep phones until they break, put the update promise first. If you upgrade every two years, a cheaper phone with a short promise is fine.
Specs Worth Paying For
Memory is the spec that ages a phone fastest. Wired suggests at least 8 GB, and 12 GB is better if you keep a phone for years. Phones with 4 GB, like the Moto g (2026) and the Galaxy A17 5G, handle calls, texts and browsing but can lag with many apps open.
Screens at 120 Hz now appear even on cheap phones and make scrolling look smoother. Batteries of 5,000 mAh or more are common, and most of these phones last a full day or longer. A water rating of IP68 means the phone survived submersion in the maker's tests. IP54 and IP65 mean splashes and rain, and the Razr's IP48 offers little dust protection.
Cameras are where price shows most. A telephoto lens, found on the Pixel 11, Galaxy S26 Ultra and Galaxy S26 FE, gives sharper zoomed shots than cropping. Tom's Guide keeps a separate list for buyers who care most about price. Most phones now ship without a charging brick, so budget for one if you need it.
How we researched this
We compared about 20 unlocked phones and checked the listings and spec tables of 14 current models. We read reviews and picks from Wired, PCMag, Tom's Guide and Wirecutter, scanned owner feedback summaries, and checked each brand for recalls with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Only phones first sold in the last 12 months made the list.
Frequently asked questions
Do unlocked phones work on Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile?
U.S. versions of Google, Samsung and Motorola phones generally do. Some imports don't: Wired reports AT&T and Verizon issues with the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro. Check the phone's band list or your carrier's compatibility checker before you buy.
What is the best unlocked phone for seniors?
A big, clear screen and a long battery matter most. The TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER 5G has a matte, low-glare screen with a reading mode, and the Motorola Moto G Power (2026) runs about two days per charge. For calls and texts only, PCMag picks the TCL Flip 4 5G as its best voice phone; check carrier support first.
How long will an unlocked phone get updates?
It depends on the maker. Google and Samsung promise seven years for their main phones, and the Galaxy A17 5G gets six. Motorola's budget phones get two Android upgrades and three years of security patches.
Can I buy an unlocked iPhone?
Yes. Apple sells new iPhones unlocked on its own store. Many other stores sell new iPhones only with a carrier plan, or sell renewed ones. Renewed phones cost less but are refurbished units with a shorter remaining life.
Are there unlocked flip phones?
Yes. The Motorola Razr Ultra (2026) is a premium folding phone, and our unlocked flip phones page covers more options, including simpler and cheaper ones.
