Best Unlocked Phones: Top Unlocked iPhones and Androids

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Best unlocked iPhones
Best unlocked Android phones
Unlocked phones vs. carrier-locked phones
Where to buy unlocked phones
Phone plans for unlocked phones
Best unlocked phones: FAQ

Unlocked phones give you network-hopping freedom. Just pop in a SIM card or activate an eSIM, then you’re ready to start calling, texting, and using mobile data with a new carrier. Most cell phones bought directly from carriers arrive locked, though you can usually get them unrestricted or unlocked after a brief waiting period. And because unlocked cell phones aren’t tied to a single network, you can chase the best plan, switch carriers on a whim, or slot in a local SIM the moment you land overseas.

Our favorite unlocked phones right now are the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, and Google Pixel 10a. Let’s dive in and explore the best unlocked phones you can buy in 2026.

Best unlocked phones available right now

	iPhone 17 Pro Max	Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra	Google Pixel 10a
Screen	6.9"	6.9"	6.3"
Resolution (pixels)	1320 x 2868	1440 x 3120	1080 x 2424
Cameras	48MP wide 48MP ultrawide 48MP telephoto 18MP selfie	200MP wide 50MP ultrawide 10MP telephoto (3x) 50MP telephoto (5x) 12MP selfie	48MP wide 13MP ultrawide 13MP selfie
Processor	A19 Pro	Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5	Google Tensor G4
Storage	256GB 512GB 1TB 2TB	256GB 512GB 1TB	128GB 256GB
RAM	12GB	12GB	8GB
Weather resistance	IP68	IP68	IP68
Battery capacity	5088mAh	5000mAh	5100mAh
5G	Yes	Yes	Yes
	View details	View details	View details

Best unlocked iPhones

An unlocked iPhone gets you the ultimate freedom to bounce between major carriers, mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), and overseas networks while traveling abroad. From the top-shelf iPhone 17 Pro Max to more wallet-friendly options, here are the best unlocked iPhones on the market.

Apple | iPhone 17 Pro Max | Best unlocked iPhone overall

The iPhone 17 Pro Max pairs Apple’s blazing A19 Pro processor with a best-in-class triple 48MP camera system and the longest battery life Apple has ever shipped. The 6.9-inch ProMotion display runs at a variable 1–120Hz, so whether you’re scrolling an article on your favorite website (obviously WhistleOut), streaming a show on Apple TV, or grinding through a mobile game, everything looks crisp and buttery smooth.

The 2026 headliner has the redesigned aluminum unibody, which dissipates heat far better than the old titanium frame and keeps the A19 Pro running at full tilt for longer. You also get 8K video recording, a sharper 18MP Center Stage front camera that reframes group selfies automatically, and a 2TB storage tier for videographers who never want to think about space again. Wi-Fi 7 and the latest Apple-designed radios round out the fastest, most future-proof iPhone yet.

None of this comes cheap—the iPhone 17 Pro Max starts at $1,199 and climbs fast as you add storage. If your hands (or wallet) prefer something smaller, the 6.3-inch iPhone 17 Pro delivers nearly identical internals in a more pocketable body. But for the definitive unlocked iOS experience, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is hands-down the best you can buy.

Pros: Powerful A19 Pro chip, triple 48MP cameras, huge battery, cooler-running aluminum body
Cons: Expensive, heavy

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Apple | iPhone 17 | Best midrange unlocked iPhone

The iPhone 17 is the sweet spot of Apple’s 2026 lineup, and at $799, it’s the unlocked iPhone we’d recommend to most people. This is the year the standard model finally inherited the Pro’s best trick: a 6.3-inch ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate and always-on functionality, so scrolling and gaming feel every bit as slick as they do on the Pro Max.

Under the hood, the A19 chip chews through everything from FaceTime calls to demanding games, while the dual 48MP camera system captures excellent stills and video with a handy 2x optical-quality zoom. You also get the same 18MP Center Stage selfie camera and a healthy 256GB of storage at the base tier. You’ll give up the third telephoto lens, the 8K video, and the 2TB storage ceiling of the Pro Max, but for everyday photographers and streamers, the iPhone 17 leaves very little on the table.

Pros: 120Hz ProMotion screen, powerful A19 chip, 256GB base storage, dual 48MP cameras
Cons: No dedicated telephoto lens, no 8K video

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Apple | iPhone 16e | Best budget unlocked iPhone

The iPhone 16e is Apple’s most affordable way into iOS, starting at $599. It replaced the aging iPhone SE and packs a genuinely modern A18 chip, which means it fully supports Apple Intelligence features like writing tools, notification summaries, and a smarter Siri. You also get a bright 6.1-inch OLED display, a capable 48MP camera, IP68 water resistance, and long battery life thanks to Apple’s efficient in-house C1 modem.

The savings come with trade-offs. There’s a single rear camera rather than a dual or triple array, the display sticks to a 60Hz refresh rate, and there’s no MagSafe (though standard Qi wireless charging still works). Even so, for anyone who wants a dependable, up-to-date, and cheap unlocked iPhone without paying flagship money, the iPhone 16e is a smart buy.

Pros: Modern A18 chip with Apple Intelligence, sharp OLED display, IP68 rating, great battery life
Cons: Single rear camera, 60Hz screen, no MagSafe

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Still deciding on an iPhone?

Whether you want a pro-grade camera system, the longest battery life, or the lowest price, there's an unlocked iPhone built for the way you use your phone. Our full breakdown compares every model against each other on price, performance, and features to help you land on the right one.

Best unlocked Android phones

You’ve got a huge range to choose from of unlocked Android phones from manufacturers like Samsung, Google, and OnePlus. From flagship unlocked Samsung phones to Google’s AI-first Pixels, let’s look at the best unlocked Android phones for every budget and use case.

Samsung | Galaxy S26 Ultra | Best unlocked Android overall

Samsung’s new Galaxy S26 Ultra is the most complete unlocked Android phone you can buy. It carries over the borderline tablet-sized 6.9-inch display and the built-in S Pen stylus, and its bright 120Hz screen makes scrolling, gaming, and doom-scrolling Instagram feel effortless. This year, Samsung also debuted a clever Privacy Display that narrows viewing angles so seatmates can’t snoop.

The star is the camera. A massive 200MP main sensor anchors a four-lens rear system with dual telephoto lenses, delivering outstanding detail, reach, and low-light performance. Backed by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy chip, 12GB of RAM, and faster 60W wired charging, the S26 Ultra handles anything you throw at it. It’s expensive at $1,299 to start, and it’s a big, heavy device, but if you want the ultimate all-around unlocked Samsung phone—from camera to processor—this is it.

Pros: Superb 200MP camera system, powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, includes S Pen, faster 60W charging
Cons: Expensive, large, and heavy

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Google | Pixel 10 Pro | Best unlocked Android for AI and cameras

The Google Pixel 10 Pro is the smart pick for anyone who cares about photography and cutting-edge AI. Powered by Google’s new Tensor G5 chip and a generous 16GB of RAM, it’s built to run on-device AI tricks that the competition still can’t match—think Magic Editor, Best Take, and remarkably accurate voice transcription.

Its triple rear camera (50MP wide, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto) produces some of the best point-and-shoot photos on any phone, and the clean, bloat-free Android experience is a joy to use day to day. Google also promises a class-leading seven years of OS and security updates, so a Pixel 10 Pro bought today will still be current well into the 2030s. Battery life is merely good rather than great, but at $999, the Pixel 10 Pro’s battery undercuts rival flagships while out-shooting most of them.

Pros: Class-leading cameras, powerful AI features, clean software, 7 years of updates
Cons: Only average battery life, slower charging than rivals

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Google | Pixel 10a | Best budget unlocked Android

The Google Pixel 10a proves you don’t need to spend flagship money for a fantastic unlocked Android phone. For $499, you get a 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED display, a 48MP main camera that punches way above its price thanks to Google’s image processing, and a big 5,100mAh battery that easily lasts a full day.

Crucially, it inherits the same seven-year update promise as the pricier Pixels, so it stays secure and current far longer than most cheap unlocked phones. You’ll settle for the last-gen Tensor G4 chip and lose the fancy telephoto lens, but performance is smooth for everyday tasks, and the camera experience is genuinely excellent. If you want the most phone for the least money, the Pixel 10a is the budget unlocked Android to beat.

Pros: Excellent camera for the price, 120Hz OLED, big battery, 7 years of updates
Cons: Last-gen Tensor G4 chip, no telephoto lens

View details

Want more Android options?

From camera-first Pixels to spec-loaded Samsung flagships and value-packed OnePlus phones, the Android world moves fast, and there's a phone for every budget and priority. Our guide to the best Android phones compares the top models head to head on performance, cameras, battery, and price.

Unlocked phones vs. carrier-locked phones

While unlocked phones provide unrivaled flexibility and freedom, carrier-locked devices have their own advantages. Here are the main differences between unlocked and locked phones.

Carrier hopping

Most major carriers and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) let you bring your own device (BYOD). Rather than buying a phone through a carrier, the bring-your-own-phone (BYOP) route lets you hop between networks with ease. You can simply pop in a SIM card or activate an eSIM without the hassle of asking a carrier to unlock your phone.

International travel

An unlocked phone means you don’t have to rely on pricey international roaming through your main carrier. For frequent fliers who travel internationally, most unlocked devices work abroad with a SIM card from the destination or a local eSIM. On a trip to Rome, one of our team members picked up a SIM card at the airport, popped it into an unlocked Samsung phone, and had instant mobile internet.

Carrier frequency and band compatibility

Using an unlocked phone means you’ll want to double-check carrier frequency and band support. Find the compatibility checker on your carrier’s website, then enter your device identification number or IMEI to confirm your phone works. Most recent phones support all major US carriers, though that’s not always the case. With a carrier-locked phone, your device works flawlessly on that network—at the expense of connection freedom.

Outright pricing, financing, and trade-in deals

The outright price of an unlocked phone is typically higher than a subsidized carrier purchase, and you’ll miss out on some device incentives. That said, shockingly cheap carrier prices are often too good to be true. Instead of paying upfront, you’ll make device installment payments that lock you in. Carrier trade-in deals can help, but the value is often a toss-up. Buying unlocked and hunting for standalone unlocked phone deals frequently works out cheaper over the life of the phone.

Methodology: Picking the best unlocked phones

Our mobile experts curated the best unlocked phones based on price, operating system, and carrier compatibility. Additionally, we looked at hardware specs, including camera quality, processing power, and battery life. We began by selecting the most popular phones, then sorted them into Android and iPhone categories. After that, we picked the top options for various budgets and use cases. Additionally, we performed hands-on testing and compared our picks with dozens of other unlocked and locked phones.

Where to buy unlocked phones

Once you’ve picked a phone, the next question is where to buy it. The good news: Unlocked cell phones are easier to find than ever, and shopping around is the best way to land the lowest price. Here’s where we recommend looking.

Amazon

For most shoppers, the best place to buy unlocked phones is Amazon. The selection of Amazon unlocked phones is enormous, spanning the latest iPhones, unlocked Samsung phones, Pixels, OnePlus, Motorola, and more, and prices are frequently lower than buying direct. Amazon also lists renewed and open-box models if you want the cheapest unlocked phones possible. Plus, it’s where you’ll spot most of the year’s best unlocked phone deals during events like Prime Day and Black Friday. Just double-check that a listing says “factory unlocked” and is sold or shipped by a reputable seller.

Manufacturers direct

Buying straight from Apple, Samsung, or the Google Store gets you a guaranteed factory-unlocked device, the full range of colors and storage tiers, and generous trade-in credit. Manufacturers also run their own financing and frequently bundle in accessories or gift cards, which can rival carrier promotions without locking you to a network.

Big-box and electronics retailers

Retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Target all sell unlocked Android phones and iPhones both online and in-store, which is handy if you want to see a device in person before buying. These stores regularly price-match and run their own promotions, so they’re worth a look when comparison shopping.

A note on cheap unlocked and flip phones

If you’re after the absolute cheapest unlocked phones, budget brands like Motorola, Nokia, and TCL sell capable Android phones for well under $200, and certified-refurbished flagships are another great way to save. Prefer something simpler? There’s still a healthy market for unlocked flip phones—from basic call-and-text clamshells for kids or seniors to premium foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series—and all of the retailers above stock them. Whatever you buy, we recommend sticking to reputable sellers and confirming the listing is factory unlocked before you check out.

Phone plans for unlocked phones

Since unlocked phones are carrier-agnostic, you’ll need to buy a phone plan separately. Our favorite phone plans come from MVNOs like Mint Mobile and Tello. For unlimited data plans, we like US Mobile and Visible. You can also grab some friends or relatives and save with the best family plans.

Tello	Tello Unlimited Text, Talk, and Data Plan Unlimited 4G LTE/5G data T-Mobile 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices 10GB mobile hotspot data Deal: Get this plan for only $15/mo. for the first 3 months of service. Renews at standard price thereafter. $15.00/mo (for the first 3 months of service) View Plan	$15.00/mo (for the first 3 months of service)	View Plan
Tello	Tello Unlimited Text, Talk, and 2GB Plan 2GB of 4G LTE/5G data T-Mobile 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices 2GB mobile hotspot data $10.00/mo View Plan	$10.00/mo	View Plan
Metro by T-Mobile (MetroPCS)	Metro by T-Mobile (MetroPCS) $40 Period Unlimited Plan Unlimited 4G LTE/5G data T-Mobile 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices No mobile hotspot data $40.00/mo Taxes and regulatory fees included. View Plan	$40.00/mo Taxes and regulatory fees included.	View Plan
Metro by T-Mobile (MetroPCS)	Metro by T-Mobile (MetroPCS) $50 Unlimited Plan Unlimited 4G LTE/5G data T-Mobile 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices 8GB mobile hotspot data $50.00/mo with AutoPay. Taxes and regulatory fees included. View Plan	$50.00/mo with AutoPay. Taxes and regulatory fees included.	View Plan
Tello	Tello Unlimited Text, Talk, and 10GB Plan 10GB of 4G LTE/5G data T-Mobile 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices 10GB mobile hotspot data $15.00/mo View Plan	$15.00/mo	View Plan
Tello	Tello Unlimited Text, 300 Minutes, and 2GB Plan 2GB of 4G LTE/5G data T-Mobile 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices 2GB mobile hotspot data $8.00/mo View Plan	$8.00/mo	View Plan
Tello	Tello Unlimited Text, 300 Minutes, and 10GB Plan 10GB of 4G LTE/5G data T-Mobile 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices 10GB mobile hotspot data $14.00/mo View Plan	$14.00/mo	View Plan
Tello	Tello Unlimited Text, 300 Minutes, and 20GB Plan 20GB of 4G LTE/5G data T-Mobile 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices 20GB mobile hotspot data $19.00/mo View Plan	$19.00/mo	View Plan
Metro by T-Mobile (MetroPCS)	Metro by T-Mobile (MetroPCS) Unlimited 6-Month Plan (BYOD) Unlimited 4G LTE/5G data T-Mobile 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices No mobile hotspot data Deal: Get this plan for only $120 for six months of service or $20/mo. $20.00/mo Upfront payment of $120 for 6 months <br>(equivalent to $20/month)<br>Taxes and regulatory fees included. View Plan	$20.00/mo Upfront payment of $120 for 6 months <br>(equivalent to $20/month)<br>Taxes and regulatory fees included.	View Plan
Tello	Tello Unlimited Text, Talk, and 20GB Plan 20GB of 4G LTE/5G data T-Mobile 5G Network in select areas with compatible devices 20GB mobile hotspot data $20.00/mo View Plan	$20.00/mo	View Plan

Best unlocked phones: FAQ

What are the best unlocked phones?

The best unlocked phones in 2026 are the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, with the Google Pixel 10a leading the way for cheap unlocked phones.

What does an unlocked phone mean?

An unlocked phone means a phone isn’t tied to a specific carrier and can freely accept virtually any SIM card or eSIM, so you can switch networks whenever you want.

How do I know if a phone is unlocked?

The quickest way to know if a phone is unlocked is to insert a SIM card from a different carrier—if it connects and can make calls, the phone is unlocked. You can also check on an iPhone under Settings > General > About and look for “No SIM restrictions,” or on Android under Settings > Connections > SIM manager. When in doubt, contact your carrier with the phone’s IMEI number and ask them to confirm its lock status.

Can you put any SIM card into an unlocked phone?

You can put any SIM card into an unlocked phone. Most phones from major manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, and Google offer near-universal carrier compatibility. However, check your desired carrier’s frequencies and bands against what your phone supports.

Where is the best place to buy unlocked phones?

The best place to buy unlocked phones is Amazon, thanks to its huge selection of Amazon unlocked phones, competitive pricing, and frequent unlocked phone deals. Buying direct from Apple, Samsung, or Google, or from big-box retailers like Best Buy, are also reliable options.

Are unlocked phones legit?

Yes, unlocked phones are legit, although we recommend buying devices from reputable retailers like Amazon or Best Buy to avoid counterfeit or blacklisted phones.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of buying an unlocked phone?

Advantages of buying an unlocked phone include outright device ownership, carrier freedom, and little to no bloatware. A few disadvantages include a higher upfront cost, no carrier device trade-in deals at purchase, and potential band-compatibility issues.

Is it better to buy an unlocked or locked phone?

Buying an unlocked phone is better if you value carrier freedom and easy SIM swapping. A locked phone can be a better choice if you want a specific carrier’s deals and subsidized pricing.

Scott Houghton

Jr. Staff Writer

Scott is a Jr. Staff Writer for WhistleOut with over five years of experience writing about tech, education, and digital services for SaaS companies, higher education platforms, and podcasting brands. He specializes in turning complex topics into clear, helpful content, cutting through the noise, and making smarter decisions about the tools and tech they use every day.

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