With an unlocked phone, 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. Keep in mind that the latest US models of the iPhone and Pixel support eSIM only, which can make switching phones a little more complicated than moving a physical SIM card. If you travel internationally, you can get an eSIM online or 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 opt for a prepaid carrier, ensure it supports the phone you want; we've received reports about select MVNOs not supporting phones that should theoretically work on their networks.

Shopping for an unlocked handset can be tricky because carrier stores don't stock them. Amazon, the Apple Store, and manufacturers' online stores (such as Google, OnePlus, and Samsung) are good options if you're looking for one. Sometimes, you can even unlock the phone you already have, though the particulars depend on the handset and carrier.

If the large up-front payment is a concern, some retailers, including Apple, Best Buy, Google, and Samsung, offer financing options that allow you to pay over two or three years to break down the cost.

Ready to break free? Pick up one of these handsets, and you'll be free from the constraints of your carrier. 

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.

There are a few downsides to going the unlocked route. If you change SIM cards overseas, you won't have access to your US phone number while traveling. Most of the phones on our list are compatible with all three major US carriers; however, we recommend checking our reviews before purchase, as some models may not support all carriers' 5G networks or international networks.

On the plus side, with the growing number of phones that support eSIM, you don't need to dig out that SIM tool. 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 10 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy S25, and Apple’s iPhones support two active eSIMs or dual SIM, which lets you attach two lines to one phone. Dual SIM is great for maintaining work and personal lines, or lines for two countries, that ring a single phone.