The Best Unlocked Phones for 2026

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 17 and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, as well as more affordable models like the Google Pixel 10a, all of which are Editors' Choice winners. Be sure to read our detailed reviews below to learn which unlocked phone best suits your needs, followed by our guide on what to consider when purchasing one.

Best iPhone for Most People

Apple iPhone 17

Score: 4.5

Pros & Cons

• + Best value among iPhone 17 models

• + Fast performance

• + Competitive battery life

• + Speedy wireless connections

• + Pro-level display

• + Flexible cameras

• - Best value among iPhone 17 models

• - Fast performance

• - Competitive battery life

• - Speedy wireless connections

• - Pro-level display

• - Flexible cameras

Why We Picked It

With the iPhone 17, Apple has upgraded the base model in meaningful ways that level it up against the rest of the iPhone 17 family—and competing flagship phones. With more than 24 hours of battery life, fast charging, modern radios, and high-quality hardware, it's a near-total package. The new screen is particularly great, as it's the same one found on the iPhone 17 Pro. Sure, some power users might miss the advanced video tools of the Pro models, but the iPhone 17 is the better value proposition.

Who It's For

iPhone users who value balance: This is, by far, the best iPhone for most people. It has almost all the features of the Pro models for hundreds of dollars less. Most importantly, it supports up to two active eSIMs simultaneously and can accommodate a total of eight eSIMs.

Fans of small(er) phones:The iPhone 17 balances a compact shape with a comfortably large screen that fits easily in one hand. It delivers great performance and excellent photography without forcing you to carry a huge device.

Specs & Configurations

Operating System: iOS 26

CPU: Apple A19

Dimensions: 5.89 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches

Screen Size: 6.3 inches

Screen Resolution: 2,622 by 1,206 pixels

Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing): 48MP, 48MP; 18MP

Battery Life (As Tested): 24 hours, 31 minutes

Best Android Phone for Most People

Google Pixel 10 Pro

Score: 4.5

Pros & Cons

• + Refined and appealing hardware

• + Advanced, easy-to-use AI features

• + Excellent cameras

• + Long-term support

• - Refined and appealing hardware

• - Advanced, easy-to-use AI features

• - Excellent cameras

• - Long-term support

Why We Picked It

Google's Pixel 10 Pro packs the company's best hardware and software into a tough, mid-sized phone. You get premium construction, a bright, detailed screen, sharp cameras, and AI that runs locally to speed up everyday tasks. Features like live call translation and language-based photo edits create standout experiences you won't find elsewhere. People who don't upgrade their phones often should appreciate Google's promised seven years of OS updates.

Who It's For

People who don't want to upgrade for years:The Pixel 10 Pro's seven years of OS updates, security fixes, and feature drops ensure that this device stays secure while adding new functionality that may change the way you use your phone over time.

Photography enthusiasts:If you like taking photos, the Pixel 10 Pro produces beautiful imagery, thanks to its combination of hardware and software. You can also utilize the phone's Camera Coach feature to enhance your photography skills, and its AI tools make editing quick and easy.

Specs & Configurations

Operating System: Android 16

CPU: Google Tensor G5

Dimensions: 6.02 by 2.83 by 0.34 inches

Screen Size: 6.3 inches

Screen Resolution: 2,856 by 1,280 pixels

Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing): 50MP, 48MP, 48MP; 42MP

Battery Life (As Tested): 12 hours, 40 minutes

Best for Artists and Note-Takers

Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra

Score: 4.0

Pros & Cons

• + Class-leading cameras

• + Excellent performance

• + Privacy Display hides your screen

• + Practical AI tools

• + Useful S Pen stylus

• - Class-leading cameras

• - Excellent performance

• - Privacy Display hides your screen

• - Practical AI tools

• - Useful S Pen stylus

Why We Picked It

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra doesn't compromise. 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 can choose from some online-exclusive colors.

Who It's For

Social creators:Short of folding, there is little the Galaxy S26 Ultra can't do. Its excellent cameras, along with its AI-enhanced image editing, make sure your photos look terrific. The Ultra's Audio Eraser makes videos easier to watch by allowing you to remove background noise with ease. The latest sticker-generating tools let you take your ideas even further.

Note takers and artists:The S Pen stylus and Samsung's powerful multitasking software make the Galaxy S26 Ultra an excellent choice for artists or mobile professionals who want to stay productive on the go.

Specs & Configurations

Operating System: Android 16

CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy

Dimensions: 6.61 by 3.37 by 0.35 inches

Screen Size: 6.9 inches

Screen Resolution: 3,120 by 1,440 pixels

Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing): 200MP, 50MP, 50MP, 10MP; 12MP

Battery Life (As Tested): 15 hours, 5 minutes

Best Folding Phone

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Score: 4.5

Pros & Cons

• + Exceptional hardware

• + Excellent displays

• + Solid performance

• + Powerful software

• + Strong radios

• - Exceptional hardware

• - Excellent displays

• - Solid performance

• - Powerful software

• - Strong radios

Why We Picked It

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 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.

Who It's For

Occasional tablet users:If you value versatility, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is an excellent pick because it can serve as both your phone and a small, pocketable tablet. Its outer screen is sufficient for most tasks, while its large internal display allows you to watch or read content with ease.

Productivity-focused individuals: The Z Fold 7, on its own, offers excellent multitasking customizations, such as tiling multiple apps on the large inner screen. Connect the Z Fold 7 to a monitor, and its DeX software provides a desktop-like experience for more complex tasks.

Specs & Configurations

Operating System: Android 16

CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy

Dimensions: 6.24 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches folded, 6.24 by 5.64 by 0.17 inches open

Screen Size: 8 inches

Screen Resolution: 2,184 by 1,968 pixels

Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing): 200MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP, 10MP

Battery Life (As Tested): 13 hours, 10 minutes

Best Midrange Android Phone

Google Pixel 10a

Score: 4.0

Pros & Cons

• + Outstanding cameras for the price

• + Sharp, bright screen

• + Excellent Google AI

• + Long software support commitment

• + Simple, well-made hardware

• - Outstanding cameras for the price

• - Sharp, bright screen

• - Excellent Google AI

• - Long software support commitment

• - Simple, well-made hardware

Why We Picked It

Google's Pixel 10a is the ideal midrange phone. Its Tensor G4 processor keeps up with your entertainment demands, while its top-notch camera system rivals pricier phones. Meanwhile, the Pixel 10a's bold design and variety of color options help it stand out. Corning Gorilla Glass and an IP68 rating ensure the device withstands everyday perils as well.

Who It's For

Budget-conscious shoppers:If you prefer Google's version of Android, the Pixel 10a is your best option, as it offers an excellent value. The 10a costs hundreds less than the Pixel 10 series, while giving you most of the advanced AI features and a terrific camera.

Fans of flat phones:Unlike a lot of other phones, the Pixel 10a has a flat back. There is no overgrown camera bump, plateau, or bar. If you miss the days of perfectly flat phones, the Pixel 10a is a great pick.

Specs & Configurations

Operating System: Android 16

CPU: Google Tensor G4

Dimensions: 6.06 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches

Screen Size: 6.3 inches

Screen Resolution: 2,424 by 1,080 pixels

Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing): 48MP, 13MP; 13MP

Battery Life (As Tested): 12 hours, 15 minutes

Best Affordable Android Phone

Samsung Galaxy A17 5G

Score: 4.0

Pros & Cons

• + Good battery life

• + Quick-enough 5G and Wi-Fi

• + Impressive cameras for the price

• + 6-year support commitment

• + Decent quality build

• - Good battery life

• - Quick-enough 5G and Wi-Fi

• - Impressive cameras for the price

• - 6-year support commitment

• - Decent quality build

Why We Picked It

A 5G phone with a high-resolution screen and a triple-camera setup for a quarter of the price of a Galaxy S26? That's the Galaxy A17 5G. Samsung also promises six OS upgrades, meaning you can keep it for years without worry.

Who It's For

Parents of picky children:The Galaxy A17 is available for under $200 and offers a lot for that price. Its camera system is good, while its high-resolution screen displays crisp imagery. This budget device feels more expensive than it is, so kids won't feel like they are getting a toy.

People who need a basic smartphone:This device is not the most powerful smartphone on the market, but it offers enough features to handle everyday tasks and connect to modern networks. If you or someone you know is hesitant about getting a smartphone but needs to make the upgrade from a simple voice phone, the A17 should do the job without overwhelming them.

Specs & Configurations

Operating System: Android 16

CPU: Samsung Exynos 1330

Dimensions: 6.47 by 3.07 by 0.30 inches

Screen Size: 6.7 inches

Screen Resolution: 2,340 by 1,080 pixels

Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing): 50MP, 5MP, 2MP; 13MP

Battery Life (As Tested): 15 hours, 45 minutes

Best Voice Phone

TCL Flip 4 5G

Score: 4.0

Pros & Cons

• + Affordable

• + 5G and Wi-Fi

• + Long battery life

• + Quick performance

• - Affordable

• - 5G and Wi-Fi

• - Long battery life

• - Quick performance

Why We Picked It

Nothing beats the simplicity of a flip phone for making calls and sending basic texts. The affordable TCL Flip 4 handles those duties well. It also has Wi-Fi and features a 1.77-inch color screen on the front, so you always know who's calling.

Who It's For

People who prioritize phone calls:If you need a phone just to stay connected to the outside world, but don't care about apps, the TCL Flip 4 is the ideal choice. Its 5G radios keep it connected to the latest wireless networks, while its limited app selection stops you from being bombarded with distractions.

Nostalgia fans:If you missed out on the first wave of flip phones in the early 2000s, the TCL Flip 4 is the closest you can get. There is no touch screen or AI to be found here; this is a voice phone first and foremost.

Specs & Configurations

Operating System: KaiOS

CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 4s Gen 2

Dimensions: 4.29 by 2.34 by 0.84 inches

Screen Size: 3.2 inches

Screen Resolution: 240 by 320 pixels

Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing): 5MP

Battery Life (As Tested): 20 hours

Best Battery Life

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

Score: 4.0

Pros & Cons

• + Outstanding cameras

• + Top video features

• + Award-winning battery life

• + Terrific screen

• + Fast performance

• + High-quality hardware

• - Outstanding cameras

• - Top video features

• - Award-winning battery life

• - Terrific screen

• - Fast performance

• - High-quality hardware

Why We Picked It

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is packed with everything Apple has to offer. It features a large screen, its battery lasts over 34 hours, the Camera Control button offers more creative flexibility, and its upgraded radios enable faster wireless performance. It also features advanced video capture tools that are among the best available on any phone.

Who It's For

The Apple fan who wants it all:Simply put, this is the best iPhone if you want all the latest features, the best video camera, and the longest battery life of any iPhone. Apple does not offer an iPhone better than this.

Content creators:The iPhone 17 Pro Max pairs excellent cameras with enough on-phone processing power to edit high-resolution video without hiccups. With fast 5G or Wi-Fi, you can shoot, edit, and upload content entirely from the phone. In many ways, the 17 Pro Max is an all-in-one solution for content creators.

Specs & Configurations

Operating System: iOS 26

CPU: Apple A19 Pro

Dimensions: 6.43 by 3.07 by 0.34 inches

Screen Size: 6.9 inches

Screen Resolution: 2,868 by 1,320 pixels

Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing): 48MP, 48MP, 48MP; 18MP

Battery Life (As Tested): 32 hours, 11 minutes

Best Flip Phone

Motorola Razr Ultra 2026

Score: 4.0

Pros & Cons

• + Bright, vibrant displays

• + 21-hour battery life

• + Improved cover screen durability

• + Addictively tactile finish

• + Rapid wired charging

• - Bright, vibrant displays

• - 21-hour battery life

• - Improved cover screen durability

• - Addictively tactile finish

• - Rapid wired charging

Why We Picked It

The Motorola Razr Ultra is appealing thanks to its bright, pixel-rich display and solid everyday performance. The cameras are just average, but the phone's stylish, fun design makes up for it. This device bends in half at the waist and folds down into a compact, pocketable square that's easy to use, even when closed. It also benefits from an improved waterproof rating, which means it can withstand dust and water better than previous generations.

Who It's For

People with small pockets:This phone lets you carry an enormous 7-inch display in a package that easily fits in a small pocket. Our phones may have gotten larger, but pockets have not. The Razr Ultra addresses a genuine need.

People who want something different:The Razr Ultra rejects the usual. It works as a normal candybar phone, but you can also use it while closed to handle quick tasks. The Razr doesn't match Galaxy or Pixel flagships in terms of raw power, but its design gives it a lot more personality.

Specs & Configurations

Operating System: Android 16

CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite

Dimensions: 6.75 by 2.91 by 0.28 inches open, 3.47 by 2.91 by 0.62 inches closed

Screen Size: 7 inches

Screen Resolution: 2,992 by 1,224 pixels

Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing): 50MP, 50MP; 50MP

Battery Life (As Tested): 21 hours, 16 minutes

Best Alternative to Google and Samsung

OnePlus 15

Score: 4.0

Pros & Cons

• + Award-winning battery life

• + Excellent screen

• + Quick performance

• + Superb value

• - Award-winning battery life

• - Excellent screen

• - Quick performance

• - Superb value

Why We Picked It

The OnePlus 15 delivers flagship-level power at a remarkably affordable price. It pairs Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 with a class-leading 7,300mAh battery that outlasts most rivals, a bright and sharp display that reaches up to 165Hz in gaming mode, and fast wired and wireless charging. Add modern radios, solid cameras, and OnePlus's useful AI tools, and you get a phone that covers the essentials without the usual flagship sticker shock.

Who it's for

People who want the longest battery life:If you hate daily charging, the OnePlus 15 is for you. Its huge 7,300mAh cell delivers excellent real-world endurance at over 26 hours. OnePlus includes an 80W fast charger that charges the phone's battery from empty to full in under 30 minutes.

Budget-conscious buyers:Buy this if you want top-tier performance and features without paying a premium. For $899.99, you get a cutting-edge chipset, a superb display, and excellent battery life, making the OnePlus 15 one of the best spec-for-dollar flagship options.

Specs & Configurations

Operating System: Android 16

CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5

Dimensions: 6.35 by 3.02 by 0.32 inches

Screen Size: 6.78 inches

Screen Resolution: 2,772 by 1,272 pixels

Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing): 50MP, 50MP, 50MP; 32MP

Battery Life (As Tested): 26 hours, 11 minutes

What Is the Best Unlocked Phone to Buy?

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.

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 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 more phones supporting eSIMs, you don't need to dig out that SIM tool. Simply select your carrier from a menu on your phone or by scanning a QR code online, 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 S26, and Apple's iPhones support two active eSIMs or dual SIMs, letting 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.

Where Can You Buy a New Unlocked Phone?

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 let you pay over two or three years to spread 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 .

PCMag and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.