Unlocked cell phones for sale without plans

Did you know that you can get an unlocked phone for this cheap? Maybe you thought you have to wait until Black Friday 2021, but thanks to these unlocked phone deals being used & refurbished, we’re able to offer them at a price that’s lower than ever. At Back Market, our deals on unlocked phones are so fresh, they make breath mints look stale! (Okay that’s kind of a weird hyperbole, but you get it.) Buying a refurbished unlocked phone is a much better value than buying a new unlocked phone, and thanks to our warranty, you can be sure you’re not losing out on quality either. :) Now that’s what we call a win-win!

Looking for a GSM unlocked phone?

If you came here looking for a phone that's GSM unlocked, that’s awesome! Just a tip: Make sure that the phone is unlocked for the AT&T and T-Mobile networks. These are both GSM networks, which means they use the same kind of technology to broadcast their cell signal. If the phone is able to work on both these networks, it should have the capabilities to work almost anywhere in the world. But be aware that an unlocked GSM phone may not work on CDMA carriers like Verizon or Spectrum.

Why is Back Market the best place to buy an unlocked cell phone?

We’ll shout it from the rooftops: Our warranties! Thanks to a minimum 1-year warranty, you can rest assured that you’re getting a safe, sure-fire deal on your unlocked phone! Have doubts or questions? Hopes, fears or dreams? Check out this article to find out how to activate your unlocked cell phone. (We can’t help you with your hopes and dreams, unless your hope is getting the unlocked phone of your dreams—then we can absolutely help!)

How much storage space do you need in an unlocked phone?

Good question! Storage for your unlocked phone really depends on the user. A light user may not need more than 32GB or 64GB, but if you're an avid traveler and like to take lots of photos of your wild adventures, you may need an unlocked phone with 128GB or 256GB of storage space. 

Unlocked phones come in different colors!

The colors, the colors! This is probably a given, but yes, you can buy an unlocked phone in just about any color you can imagine. The unlocked version of every phone is usually offered in the same exact colors as the version that you can buy from your carrier. Woohoo!

Are you still waiting for Black Friday to get a great iPhone 11 Pro Black Friday deals? We got you! We have some of the best iPhone deals out there, any day of the year!

Whether you’re into Android phones or the iPhone, you use a cell phone precisely because it is mobile. Shouldn’t that freedom extend to your carrier as well? If you want the ability to move from carrier to carrier while using the same phone, then an unlocked cell phone is precisely what you are looking for. Best of all, Newegg has the unlocked iPhone or Android phone that you want. Everyone uses a smartphone. Now it’s time to be smart about your phone. Shop Newegg’s unlocked phone selection today!

A Wide Selection of Unlocked Phones

When companies compete, the consumer wins. Fortunately, there are several unlocked phone manufacturers competing for your money, and Newegg has partnered with all of them! Need an unlocked GSM phone that works on your network? No problem! Choose from popular smartphone manufacturers like ASUS, Apple, Huawei, Samsung, HTC and more. Unlocked phones are not some kind of second tier smartphone market. You’ll find the same hot smartphones that will make your friends and family jealous, except you’ll also have the freedom to move to a new carrier and take your unlocked phone with you! Make the smart choice and get your next unlocked smartphone through Newegg today!

In the US, many carriers turn to software locks to prevent you from using a phone you buy from them on a competing network. Otherwise, they might try to force you into a payment plan that doesn't permit you to leave that carrier or enable hardware frequency restrictions. Unlocked phones—those you pay for in total upfront (and often from third-party sellers)—are different. You can often use an unlocked phone on any carrier the phone’s bands support and, importantly, switch carriers at will. You might even be able to use it on an international carrier.

These are our choices for the best unlocked phones available in the US, followed by what to consider when you buy an unlocked device. Our picks range from inexpensive basic handsets to powerful flagships. Most are 5G phones, including those in Apple's iPhone 14 series, Google's Pixel 7 lineup, and Samsung's latest Galaxy S and Z families. These run on every form of US 5G, including high-speed millimeter wave and C-band spectrum.

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Unlocked cell phones for sale without plans
What Is 5G?


Can You Put Any SIM Card Into an Unlocked Phone?

There are a few downsides to going the unlocked route. If you change SIM cards overseas, you won't have your US phone number while you travel. Most of the phones on our list work on all three major US carriers, but you should check out our reviews before you buy because a few might not connect to all the carriers' 5G networks—or overseas networks.

AT&T doesn't permit Wi-Fi calling on many unlocked phones, and it has a complex PDF(Opens in a new window) that lists which phones it supports. If you want Wi-Fi calling on an unlocked AT&T phone, stick with iPhones and Google Pixels.

On the plus side, with the growing number of phones with electronic SIMs (eSIMs), changing carriers is easier than ever. Simply select your carrier from a menu on your phone or by scanning an online QR code, and you won't need to wait for a physical SIM to arrive in the mail.

On this list, the Pixel 7 series, the Samsung Galaxy S22 series, and Apple’s iPhones support eSIM and dual SIM, which let you have two lines attached to one phone. The Nokia 6300 4G has two physical SIMs. Dual SIM is great for maintaining a work line and a personal line, or lines for two different countries, that ring a single device.

Unlocked cell phones for sale without plans

I'm that 5G guy. I've actually been here for every "G." I've reviewed well over a thousand products during 18 years working full-time at PCMag.com, including every generation of the iPhone and the Samsung Galaxy S. I also write a weekly newsletter, Fully Mobilized, where I obsess about phones and networks.

Read Sascha's full bio

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About Dave LeClair

Analyst, Mobile

Unlocked cell phones for sale without plans

I love portable technology—if you can put it in a pocket or a bag, I’m probably into it. I’ve covered phones and tablets of all shapes and sizes, and reviewed everything from game consoles to laptops in my decade-plus career. Prior to joining PCMag, I wrote articles for Android Authority, How-To Geek, MUO, New Atlas, Tom’s Hardware, and plenty of other tech publications.

Can I buy a phone from carrier without plan?

Carriers offer month-to-month contracts, which allow you to pay for your contract phone with monthly payments. Or, if you're still deciding on a carrier, you have the option of buying what's known as an unlocked phone, which you can use with a no-contract mobile phone plan.

Can you buy a phone without paying monthly?

Buying a prepaid phone. Enjoy the freedom of a no-contract, prepaid cell phone from one of many top brands that is conveniently paid for as you go. By paying for a specific amount of data usage and talk minutes in advance, you know exactly how much is allotted on your device.

Can I buy a phone without a contract?

Pay as you go phones allow you more flexibility than monthly contract phones as you aren't tied into a contract and you can top up your credit balance when you want.

What carriers are offering free phones?

Several carriers offer free phones through the government's Lifeline program. These carriers include Assist Wireless, Assurance Wireless, enTouch Wireless, and True Wireless, among others. Many other carriers—like Verizon, Metro by T-Mobile, and Cricket—offer free phones to new customers.