Overview
- Jump To Details
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Best iPhone for Creators - Jump To Details
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Best for Artists and Note-Takers - Jump To Details
Google Pixel 8a
Most Affordable Pixel Phone - Jump To Details
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Best Folding Phone - Jump To Details
Google Pixel 8
Best Android Phone for Most People - Jump To Details
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Best Affordable Android Phone - Jump To Details
TCL Flip 2
Best Voice Phone - Jump To Details
Apple iPhone 15
Best iPhone for Most People - Jump To Details
Motorola Razr+ (2023)
Best Flip Phone - Jump To Details
OnePlus 12
Best Alternative to Google and Samsung
In the US, many carriers employ software locks to 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 often use an unlocked phone on 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 and reviewing them for around as long. We know unlocked phones. Our top picks include the latest flagships like the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max 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
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Best iPhone for CreatorsWhy We Picked It
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a lot going for it, including a large battery that lasts for over 20 hours of streaming HD video at full brightness. It also has the best camera system in an iPhone and a large screen that's terrific for creative types. Other highlights include a fast USB-C Gen 2 port, a powerful A17 Pro processor, a sturdy titanium frame, and a versatile Action button. Buying unlocked from an Apple Store is easy and you shouldn't face compatibility issues with any US carriers.
Who It's For
Photographers and videographers are the main audience for the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but it's also ideal for anyone who just wants the best, longest-lasting iPhone they can buy.
Pros
- Fast, smooth performance
- Excellent cameras
- Long battery life
- Useful Action button
- USB-C connectivity opens up new features
- Lighter than previous Pro Max
Cons
- Expensive
- Big
Learn MoreApple iPhone 15 Pro Max ReviewSamsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Best for Artists and Note-TakersWhy We Picked It
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.
Who It's For
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.
Pros
- Speedy performance
- Beautiful screen
- Terrific cameras
- Useful AI features
- Comes with S Pen stylus
- Long support commitment
Cons
- Big
- Expensive
Learn MoreSamsung Galaxy S24 Ultra ReviewGoogle Pixel 8a
Most Affordable Pixel PhoneWhy We Picked It
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.
Who It's For
If you like Google's version of Android, the Pixel 8a is your most reasonable choice. It's highly capable and an excellent value.
Pros
- Excellent cameras
- Powerful performance
- Useful AI features
- Long battery life
- Seven-year software support
Cons
- Older protective glass on the front
- Relatively slow charging
Learn MoreGoogle Pixel 8a ReviewSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Best Folding PhoneWhy We Picked It
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 is Samsung's best folding phone yet. It's thinner and lighter than previous iterations and even closes without a gap. Both screens look 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
If you value versatility, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is an excellent pick because it can serve as both your phone and tablet. We're also fans of the Dex feature for big-screen productivity tasks.
Pros
- Incredibly versatile
- Excellent productivity software
- Beautiful screens
- Slimmer, lighter design than previous generation
Cons
- Pricey
- Odd speaker placement
Learn MoreSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 ReviewGoogle Pixel 8
Best Android Phone for Most PeopleWhy We Picked It
Google's Pixel 8 is among the most future-proof Android handsets available. It also offers smooth software, good battery life, and excellent cameras with AI-enhanced editing tools. Available unlocked from Google's store, it works on all three US carriers and supports both eSIM and physical SIM cards.
Who It's For
If you want an Android phone with a great camera that will get updates for a long time, look no further.
Pros
- Competitively priced
- Advanced AI features
- Terrific cameras
- Compact
- Excellent build quality
Cons
- Unimpressive battery life
- No telephoto camera
- Storage capped at 256GB
Learn MoreGoogle Pixel 8 ReviewSamsung Galaxy A15 5G
Best Affordable Android PhoneWhy 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 S24? That's the Galaxy A15 5G. Samsung also promises four OS upgrades, meaning you can keep it for years without worry.
Who It's For
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.
Pros
- Affordable
- Long battery life
- Competent cameras
- Excellent software upgrade policy
Cons
- No IP rating
- Plastic build
Learn MoreSamsung Galaxy A15 5G ReviewTCL Flip 2
Best Voice PhoneWhy We Picked It
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.
Who It's For
If you simply want a basic phone for voice calls and messaging, the TCL Flip 2 is the phone you should get.
Pros
- Affordable
- Long battery life
- Clear earpiece and speakerphone
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Email access
Cons
- Can't download additional apps
- Poor cameras
Learn MoreTCL Flip 2 ReviewApple iPhone 15
Best iPhone for Most PeopleWhy We Picked It
iPhones are the most easily 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.
Who It's For
The average consumer in the market for an unlocked phone should be comfortable with the mainstream iPhone 15. It's easy to use, powerful, and switches carriers easily.
Pros
- Good size and weight
- Solid performance
- Capable cameras
- USB-C port
- Dynamic Island
Cons
- No always-on display
- No telephoto camera
- Shorter battery life than other iPhones
Learn MoreApple iPhone 15 ReviewMotorola Razr+ (2023)
Best Flip PhoneWhy We Picked It
The Motorola Razr+ is appealing thanks to its bright, pixel-rich display, solid everyday performance, and capable set of cameras, but we picked it because it's a fun folding phone that changes things up. This device bends in half at the waist and flips down into a small, pocketable square that's easy to use even when closed.
Who It's For
This flip is for people tired of the same old slab-style smartphones looking for something different. It may not be as powerful as a Galaxy or a Pixel flagship, but it's got far more personality.
Pros
- Excellent display quality
- Highly functional external screen
- Portable, stylish design
Cons
- Unimpressive IP rating
- Dated processor
Learn MoreMotorola Razr+ (2023) ReviewOnePlus 12
Best Alternative to Google and SamsungWhy We Picked It
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.
Who It's For
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.
Pros
- Bright, crisp display
- Excellent battery life
- Rapid wired and wireless charging
- Powerful processor
Cons
- Lacks mmWave 5G
- Not as waterproof as competing phones
- No special AI features
Learn MoreOnePlus 12 Review
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 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.
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.
On the plus side, with the growing number of phones with eSIMs, 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.
On this list, the Pixel 8 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.
If that large upfront 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.
Ready to break free? Pick up one of these handsets, and don't feel tied to your carrier any longer.
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.
