Today’s phones take on a lot for us, including communication, GPS, gaming and more — even acting as a camera when we want to capture our adventures. The vast majority of us use our cellphones more than almost any other device we own, which is why it can be worth investing in a quality model that can handle all of those needs and whatever else you throw at it.
That said, despite how important it is to get a phone that meets all of your needs, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should be spending $1,000 or more to get one of the latest devices from Samsung, Apple or Google. There are plenty of deals and discounts available that can help you get your hands on a new phone for less.
Over the past few years, carriers including Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile have become far more aggressive with deals for both new and existing customers as they continue to push their 5G networks. These days it’s not out of the ordinary to find deals that can score you a new high-end phone for free, though you often need to be on a higher-end 5G plan and agree to monthly bill credits over a 24- to 36-month period, which locks you into that service. If you cancel before then, you’re on the hook for the difference.
You can also save with unlocked phone deals with direct discounts at third-party retailers like Amazon and Best Buy or by trading in your old device directly to the manufacturer, 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 deals for those who would rather pay outright for an unlocked phone as well as deals on phones for new and existing carrier customers who are adding lines, trading in phones and more.
Read more: Best Phone Plan Deals
Best unlocked phone deals right now
If you don’t want to deal with monthly bill credits and would prefer to own your phone outright, you can still save some money on your purchase by looking around a bit. There are a few places where you can buy unlocked phones at a discount, though you’ll want to confirm that they are truly unlocked and not tied to any carrier before ordering. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite unlocked phone deals below.
The iPhone 14 is the latest in Apple’s ultrapopular flagship lineup, and you can get your hands on one for less right now. We’ve rounded up all the best deals and promotions available, and if you’re looking for the best price on an unlocked model, shopping at Apple directly is your best bet right now. When you trade in an eligible smartphone, you can get up to $630 off the iPhone 14’s $799 starting price.
If battery life is important to you, the Moto G Power is a great option, especially at this price. It’s advertised to get up to three days of battery life per charge, features a 6.5-inch display, has 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It works on all the major carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Simple Mobile, Mint Mobile, Google Fi and plenty of others. Priced at less than $150, it’s a hard option to beat.
