These days we rely on phones for a lot more than just calls and texts, and you more or less need a smartphone to survive in the modern world. But not everyone wants to spend $1,000 or more upgrading to the latest high-end Apple or Samsung model. Fortunately, there are tons of deals out there that can score you a flashy new phone for hundreds off — or even put one in your pocket for free. Whether you’re looking for an iPhone, Galaxy, Pixel or something a little more affordable from a smaller brand, CNET is here to help you find it for less.
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We’ve rounded up some of the best bargains on the internet right now, so you can focus on buying the phone that best fits your needs and meets your financial requirements. If you aren’t sure which plan or carrier you should go with, you may want to go for an unlocked model from a retailer like Amazon or Best Buy and sign up for service later.
If you know which network works best for you, you can take advantage of discounts, trade-ins or new lines through major carriers like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile.
Best unlocked phone deals right now
Shopping for a new phone from a carrier comes with all kinds of red tape and fine print that can be a headache to figure out. If you’re looking for an easier alternative, you can pick up an unlocked model instead. Opting for an unlocked phone means you won’t be immediately locked into a multiyear contract or service plan, and you can always activate it with your preferred carrier after the fact. Plus, there are plenty of no-strings-attached deals to bring down the starting price.
These deals won’t save you as much as the carrier deals below but don’t require a trade-in or a new line of service. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best discounts on unlocked phones that you can shop right now.
For Android users, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is the best phone on the market right now. This is the basic model from Samsung’s latest flagship lineup, featuring a 6.2-inch display, 128GB of storage and a substantial 4,000-mAh battery.
This deal also comes with one free month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and you can save even more with a trade-in or by opting for same-day activation.
You won’t find any straightforward discounts on Apple’s latest flagship phone, but you can grab the previous-gen iPhone 15 for less at Best Buy. This deal also comes with three free months of Apple TV Plus, Apple Music and Apple Fitness Plus, and four free months of Apple Arcade if you’re a new subscriber. Plus, you can save even more with an eligible trade-in or if you sign up with AT&T or Verizon.
With a 3.6-inch cover screen and a stunning 6.9-inch pOLED interior display, the 2024 Motorola Razr Plus is our favorite flip phone on the market. Even at full price, it’s $300 cheaper than the similar Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, and this deal drops it even lower. As with almost all Best Buy phone offers, you’ll get an extra $100 off if you sign up with AT&T or Verizon, and you can trade in an old phone for even steeper savings.
Though its phones might not be as popular as Apple’s or Samsung’s, OnePlus’ devices have continually impressed our reviewers here at CNET. Its flagship OnePlus 12 is one of the best phones of 2025, and right now you can snag this previous-gen model at a great price.
This is as cheap as it comes for a new smartphone from 2024. The Motorola Moto G Play has 64GB of storage, a sleek sapphire blue color design, a 6.5-inch screen as well as a 50-megapixel rear-facing camera and an 8-megapixel front-facing camera. It’s unlocked and ready to go.
If you let Best Buy help you connect to a carrier you can snag this phone for as low as $30.
Best phone deals from carriers
You can also save by trading in your old device or activating a new line of service at major carriers, meaning you have plenty of places to look for phone deals. That’s why CNET is working with Navi to help cut through the confusion. Navi is an independent marketplace that aggregates information on service plans and phone deals to help consumers find the best choices and prices on the market. Below you’ll find some of the best deals out there for both new and existing carrier customers who are adding lines, trading in phones and more.
Read more: Best Phone Plan Deals
Carrier contracts as we knew them may not be around anymore, but these newer phone deals from Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and others are similar in many ways. Through monthly bill credits, you can get a phone for next to nothing in many cases. The stipulation is that you must remain a customer for a set length of time in order to keep receiving the credits. Otherwise, you’re responsible for the remaining costs and potentially more, depending on the carrier.
In addition, some carriers will allow you to take advantage of these deals only on specific plans, which are usually some of their more expensive 5G plans. So be sure to understand the monthly costs associated with switching before taking advantage of that “free phone” deal you see advertised.
Read more: Cheap Phone Plans, Compared
T-Mobile is offering a few ways to save on the iPhone 16 lineup right now. If you have an old phone to trade in, you can save $1,000 if you’re on a Go5G Plus or Next plan, $300 if you’re on a Go5G plan or $200 if you’re on other qualifying plans. T-Mobile also offers special discounts for military members, first responders and people over 55 years old.
The iPhone 16 Plus is part of Apple’s latest lineup of smartphones. Though prices normally start at $900, you can score the 128GB model for free at Boost Mobile if you get a qualifying line. Its plans start at $65 per line.
The iPhone 16 has an A18 chip that supports intense gaming, a 6.7-inch screen and a 48-megapixel Fusion camera, among other improved specs over its predecessors.
Google Pixel 9 at AT&T
Save $454 with installment plan
Google’s latest flagship phone — the Pixel 9 — is the best model out there for Android purists. And right now you can get your hands on one for just $11 per month when you purchase it on an installment plan at AT&T. There’s no new line or trade-in required, but you will need to have or switch to an eligible unlimited plan.
Trade in your old Galaxy phone to Verizon and get up to $1,000 off your new Galaxy Z Fold 6 when you sign up for a new line on an Unlimited Welcome, Plus or Ultimate plan. The credit is doled out over 36 months, and if you cancel service before the 36 months are up, you’ll have to pay the remaining balance. Also, be aware that credits begin within three bills and require that you pay all taxes and associated fees on the retail price up front.
If you’ve got an older phone to trade in, you can score the third-gen iPhone SE for free at T-Mobile, as long as you’re on a Go5G Next or Plus plan. If you don’t have an eligible trade-in, you can still save up to $215 when adding a new line on a qualifying plan. The discount will be applied as bill credits over a 24-month period.
Do you get the best phone deals when you switch carriers?
To attract new customers, carriers often reserve their steepest discounts for switchers. That means you may find a more appealing phone deal if you consider moving carriers. It’s a straightforward process for individuals but can be a little complicated for those with multiple lines. Ultimately, it’s worth shopping around when it comes time to upgrade your phone in case another offers some kind of switcher bonus or switcher-exclusive phone deal.
Unlocked vs. carrier: Which phone deals are the best for most people?
Whether you want to get your new phone on a carrier deal or unlocked will depend on your preferences and circumstances. For a lot of folks, being able to spread the cost of the phone over two or three years makes it much easier to upgrade to one of the best phones on the market.
For others, being locked into a long-term plan is less ideal. While carriers often compete with each other for and offer some steep discounts or added freebies, manufacturers now tend to offer their own trade-in and financing programs to make it more affordable to upgrade without involving a carrier in the process.