In the US, many carriers employ software locks that prevent you from using a phone you buy from them on a competing network. Unlocked phones—those you pay for in total up-front, often directly from the manufacturer—are different. You can generally use an unlocked phone on almost any carrier and switch carriers at will. How do you find an unlocked phone? PCMag has been writing about cell phones for more than three decades. We know unlocked phones. Our top picks include the latest flagships like the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, as well as more affordable models like the Google Pixel 8a, all of which are Editors’ Choice winners. Be sure to read our detailed reviews to learn which unlocked phone will best suit your needs, followed by our guide on what to consider when you buy an unlocked device.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Best iPhone for Most People
Apple iPhone 16
- Most affordable iPhone 16 model
- High-quality hardware
- Swift performance
- Sharp camera quality
- Good battery life
- Supports Apple Intelligence
iPhones are the most readily available, universally unlocked line of phones in the US because of Apple’s nationwide network of brick-and-mortar stores. Unlocked iPhones support every US carrier’s frequency bands, and you can easily switch them from carrier to carrier. Just remember, most iPhones sold in the US now use eSIMs. The iPhone 16 has a lot going for it, including better battery life, a quicker processor, sharper cameras, and faster radios. It also has the same Action Button and Camera Control as the Pro models.
The average consumer in the market for an unlocked phone should be comfortable with the mainstream iPhone 16. It’s easy to use, powerful, and switches carriers easily.
Operating System
iOS 18
CPU
Apple A18
Dimensions
5.8 by 2.8 by 0.3 inches
Screen Size
6.1 inches
Screen Resolution
2556 by 1179 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
48MP, 12MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
18 hours
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Best for Artists and Note-Takers
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Speedy performance
- Beautiful screen
- Terrific cameras
- Useful AI features
- Comes with S Pen stylus
- Long support commitment
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra doesn’t make any compromises. It’s large and powerful, features one of the best camera systems, includes an S Pen stylus, and offers all the latest Galaxy AI features. If you buy the unlocked model from Samsung’s website, it will work with all US carriers and you get to pick from some online-exclusive colors.
The S Pen stylus, along with Samsung’s powerful multitasking software, make the Galaxy S24 Ultra a great phone for artists and mobile professionals who like to be productive on the go.
Operating System
Android 14
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
Dimensions
6.40 by 3.11 by 0.34 Inches
Screen Size
6.8 inches
Screen Resolution
3,120 by 1,440 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
200MP, 12MP, 10MP, 50MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
14 hours, 10 minutes
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Most Affordable Pixel Phone
Google Pixel 8a
- Excellent cameras
- Powerful performance
- Useful AI features
- Long battery life
- Seven-year software support
- Older protective glass on the front
- Relatively slow charging
Google’s Pixel 8a is an ideal midrange phone. Its Tensor G3 processor can keep up with your entertainment demands, while its top-notch camera system competes with pricier phones. Meanwhile, the Pixel 8a’s bold design and variety of color options (Aloe, Bay, Obsidian, or Porcelain) help it stand out. Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and an IP67 rating ensure the device holds up to everyday perils, too.
If you like Google’s version of Android, the Pixel 8a is your most reasonable choice. It’s highly capable and an excellent value.
Operating System
Android 14
CPU
Google Tensor G3
Dimensions
5.99 by 2.86 by 0.35 inches
Screen Size
6.1 inches
Screen Resolution
2,400 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
64MP, 13MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
12 hours, 50 minutes
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Best Folding Phone
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
- Improved, more durable design
- Wider cover screen
- Excellent cameras
- Blazing performance
- Bright displays
- Long software support window
- Very expensive
- Lagging charging speeds
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 is Samsung’s best folding phone yet. It’s thinner and lighter than previous iterations, has a more durable design, and comes with genuinely useful Galaxy AI features. Both screens are bright and beautiful, the performance is excellent, and the cameras take great pictures. The software experience continues to be top-notch as well, particularly for those who like to multitask.
If you value versatility, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is an excellent pick because it can serve as both your phone and tablet. It’s a great choice for productivity, too, thanks to its Dex mode for big-screen tasks.
Operating System
Android 14
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
Dimensions
6.04 by 5.22 by 0.22 inches
Screen Size
7.6 inches
Screen Resolution
2,160 by 1,856 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
50MP, 10MP, 12MP; 10MP, 4MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
11 hours, 30 minutes
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Best Android Phone for Most People
Google Pixel 9
- Excellent cameras
- Useful and fun AI features
- Good performance
- Competitively priced
- Limited storage
- Doesn’t include Gemini Live subscription
Google’s Pixel 9 is among the most future-proof Android handsets available. It offers a speedy Tensor G4 processor, smooth software, excellent cameras with AI-enhanced editing tools, and most of Google’s Gemini AI features. Available unlocked from Google’s store, it works on all three US carriers and supports both eSIM and physical SIM cards.
If you want an Android phone with a great camera that will get updates for a long time, look no further. The reasonable price adds to its appeal.
Operating System
Android 14
CPU
Google Tensor G4
Dimensions
6.0 by 2.8 by 0.3 inches
Screen Size
6.3 inches
Screen Resolution
2,424 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
50MP, 48MP; 10.5MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
11 hours, 45 minutes
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Best Affordable Android Phone
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
- Affordable
- Long battery life
- Competent cameras
- Excellent software upgrade policy
- No IP rating
- Plastic build
A 5G phone with a high-resolution screen and a triple-camera setup for a quarter of the price of a Galaxy S24? That’s the Galaxy A15 5G. Samsung also promises four OS upgrades, meaning you can keep it for years without worry.
If you want to get on a 5G network for not a lot of money, the Samsung A15 5G is an excellent and affordable pick that more than meets expectations.
Operating System
Android 14
CPU
Mediatek 6835
Dimensions
6.30 by 3.02 by 0.33 inches
Screen Size
6.5 inches
Screen Resolution
2,340 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
50MP, 5MP, 2MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
14 hours, 3 minutes
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Best Voice Phone
TCL Flip 2
- Affordable
- Long battery life
- Clear earpiece and speakerphone
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Email access
- Can’t download additional apps
- Poor cameras
Nothing beats the simplicity of a flip phone for calling and basic texting. The affordable TCL Flip 2 handles those duties well, has Wi-Fi, and sports a 1.4-inch color screen on the front so you always know who’s calling.
If you simply want a basic phone for voice calls and messaging, the TCL Flip 2 is the phone you should get.
Operating System
AOSP
CPU
MediaTek 6739-CH
Dimensions
4.22 by 2.19 by 0.78 inches
Screen Size
2.8 inches
Screen Resolution
320 by 240 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
2MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
Approximately 14 hours of talk time
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Best iPhone for Content Creators
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
- Leading video features
- Outstanding battery life
- Large, bright screen
- Strong connectivity
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has a lot going for it, including a large battery that lasts for over 22 hours of streaming HD video. It also has the best camera and video camera system in an iPhone and a large screen that’s terrific for creative types. Other highlights include a fast USB-C port, a powerful A18 Pro processor, a sturdy titanium frame, a versatile Action Button, and the new Camera Control. It can also run Apple Intelligence. Buying unlocked from an Apple Store is easy and you shouldn’t face compatibility issues with any US carriers.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is primarily intended for photographers and videographers, but it’s also ideal for anyone who wants the best, longest-lasting iPhone they can buy.
Operating System
iOS 18
CPU
Apple A18 Pro
Dimensions
6.4 by 3.14 by 0.3 inches
Screen Size
6.9 inches
Screen Resolution
2868 by 1320 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
48MP, 12MP, 12MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
29 hours
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Best Flip Phone
Motorola Razr+
- Top-notch display
- Helpful outer screen
- Waterproof
- Stylish and easy to use
- Cameras are only average
- Limited AI features at launch
The Motorola Razr+ is appealing thanks to its bright, pixel-rich display and solid everyday performance. The cameras are just average, but the phone’s stylish and fun design makes up for that. This device bends in half at the waist and flips down into a small, pocketable square that’s easy to use even when closed. It also benefits from an improved IPX8 waterproof rating (up from IP52 for the previous model), which means it is more durable than before.
This foldable is for people tired of the same old slab-style smartphones. The Razr+ might not be quite as powerful as a Galaxy or a Pixel flagship, but it’s got far more personality.
Operating System
Android 14
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
Dimensions
6.50 by 2.91 by 0.28 inches
Screen Size
6.9 inches
Screen Resolution
2,640 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
50MP, 50MP; 32MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
14 hours, 37 minutes
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Best Alternative to Google and Samsung
OnePlus 12
- Bright, crisp display
- Excellent battery life
- Rapid wired and wireless charging
- Powerful processor
- Lacks mmWave 5G
- Not as waterproof as competing phones
- No special AI features
The OnePlus 12 is an off-the-beaten-path flagship that goes spec for spec against its top rivals. Moreover, its 5,000mAh battery charges faster than most: It goes from 0% to 100% in just 38 minutes with the included 80W charger.
A top-tier processor, super-fast charging, and a reasonable price make the OnePlus 12 an ideal Android phone for power users who don’t want to spend too much.
Operating System
Android 14
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Dimensions
6.47 by 2.98 by 0.36 inches
Screen Size
6.82 inches
Screen Resolution
3,168 by 1,440 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
64MP, 50MP, 48MP; 32MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
18 hours, 10 minutes
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Buying Guide: The Best Unlocked Phones for 2024
What Is the Best Unlocked Phone to Buy?
With an unlocked device, you can trade up or sell your phone whenever you want without waiting for the end of a leasing or installment plan. You can also own multiple handsets and swap your SIM card between them. If you travel internationally, you can pop in a local, pay-as-you-go SIM card overseas and avoid horrendous international roaming charges. You can also take advantage of super-cheap prepaid plans from virtual operators in the US that piggyback on compatible networks.
If you go with a prepaid carrier, ensure it supports the phone you want; we’ve heard several stories of MVNOs not supporting phones that theoretically work on their networks.
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.
Samsung Galaxy S24+ (Credit: Eric Zeman)
On the plus side, with the growing number of phones that support eSIM, 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. (An active Wi-Fi connection is generally required to get an eSIM up and running.)
On this list, the Google Pixel 9 series, the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, and Apple’s iPhones support eSIM or dual SIM, which lets you attach two lines to one phone. Dual SIM is great for maintaining a work line and a personal line, or lines for two different countries, that ring a single device.
Where Can You Buy a New Unlocked Phone?
Shopping for an unlocked handset can be tricky because carrier stores don’t stock them. If you’re looking for one, Amazon, the Apple Store, Best Buy Mobile, and manufacturers’ online stores (Google, OnePlus, Samsung) are all good bets. Sometimes, you can even unlock the phone you already have, though the particulars depend on the handset and carrier.
Apple iPhone 16 (Credit: Eric Zeman)
If that large up-front payment is a concern, some retailers, including Apple, Best Buy, Google, and Samsung, will allow you to finance devices over two or three years to break down the cost.
Recommended by Our Editors
Ready to break free? Pick up one of these handsets, and don’t feel tied to your carrier any longer.Â
And if you’re looking for the best deal, check out our tips for getting the best price on a new phone and our picks for the best cheap phones.
Dave LeClair and Sascha Segan contributed to this story.
