The Best Unlocked Phones of 2018

Wireless Freedom

In many ways, nothing beats the freedom of unlocked phones. They work with any AT&T or T-Mobile SIM card, even with no data plan, and an increasing number work on Sprint and Verizon, as well. You can pop in a local, pay-as-you-go card overseas and never pay horrendous international roaming charges. And you don't have to deal with carrier-installed bloatware. If you're looking for an unlocked handset, look no further than our top-rated choices here. But first, consider why you may want to go the unlocked route in the first place.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Tired of your handset, or want to own a few and switch between them? With an unlocked device, you can trade up or sell your phone whenever you want, without waiting for the end of a leasing or equipment installment plan—because you're not in one. You can own multiple handsets and swap your SIM card between them. You can also take advantage of super-cheap prepaid plans from virtual operators piggybacking on compatible networks.

If you're buying an iPhone, choosing the unlocked model is a way to get the superior Qualcomm modem over the Intel version sold by AT&T and T-Mobile. As our lab tests show, the Qualcomm model gets better LTE speeds in low signal conditions.

At the same time, 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're there. Some unlocked handsets only work on AT&T and T-Mobile, not Sprint or Verizon. On the list above, all the phones except the OnePlus 5T and Snapfon work on all four major US carriers.

Where and What to Buy

Shopping for an unlocked handset can be a bit tricky, since carrier stores don't stock them. If you're looking for one, the Apple Store, Amazon, Best Buy Mobile, and manufacturers' online stores are good bets. In some cases, you can even unlock the phone you already own, although the particulars depend on the handset and carrier.

See How We Test Cell Phones

Our most recent Editors' Choice winners for unlocked devices in each major price category include the iPhone 8 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S8 at the high end; the Motorola Moto G5 Plus in the midrange; and the Motorola Moto E4 for an inexpensive option.

The S8 has a terrific camera, an amazing screen, a one-handed form factor, and excellent radio reception. The G5 Plus is a $300 phone that feels like a $500 phone, thanks to its sleek metal build and smooth performance. The E4 brings plenty of current features, such as a fingerprint scanner, dual-band Wi-Fi, and a recent version of Android, for a low price—under $100, if you have Amazon Prime. All three work on all the major US carriers.

Ready to break free? Pick up one of these handsets and don't feel tied to your carrier any longer. If you're deciding on a carrier, see which one came out on top in our Fastest Mobile Networks tests.