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 S25 Ultra, as well as more affordable models like the Google Pixel 9a, 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 one.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
September 24, 2025: With this update, we replaced the Apple iPhone 16 with the iPhone 17 as the best iPhone. We also swapped in the Pixel 10 Pro in place of the Pixel 9 for the best Android phone, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 for the Z Fold 6 as the best folding phone, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max for the iPhone 16 Pro Max as the iPhone with the best battery life. Our remaining picks have been vetted for currency and availability. Since our last update, we reviewed and evaluated 15 new phones for potential inclusion in this roundup.
- Best value among iPhone 17 models
- Fast performance
- Competitive battery life
- Speedy wireless connections
- Pro-level display
- Flexible cameras
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, since it’s the same one from 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.
This is by far the best iPhone for most people. It’s got almost all of the features of the Pro models for hundreds of dollars less. Most importantly, it supports up to two active eSIMs at a time and can hold a total of eight eSIMs for later use.
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
Learn More
Apple iPhone 17 Review
- Class-leading performance
- Powerful AI features
- Excellent cameras
- Sharp, anti-reflective screen
- Better ergonomics than previous Ultras
- Long software support window
- Expensive
- Less S Pen functionality than previous generation
The Samsung Galaxy S25 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.
The S Pen stylus and Samsung’s powerful multitasking software make the Galaxy S25 Ultra an excellent choice if you’re an artist or mobile professional who likes to be productive on the go.
Operating System
Android 15
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
Dimensions
6.41 by 3.06 by 0.32 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)
14 hours, 15 minutes
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review
- Powerful performance
- Excellent cameras
- Useful Google AI
- Seven-year software support commitment
- Lacks mmWave 5G
- No reverse wireless charging
Google’s Pixel 9a is an ideal midrange phone. Its Tensor G4 processor can keep up with your entertainment demands, while its top-notch camera system competes with pricier phones. Meanwhile, the Pixel 9a’s bold design and variety of color options help it stand out. Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and an IP68 rating ensure the device holds up to everyday perils, too.
If you like Google’s version of Android, the Pixel 9a is your most reasonable choice. It’s highly capable and an excellent value.
Operating System
Android 15
CPU
Google Tensor G4
Dimensions
6.1 by 2.9 by 0.4 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)
13 hours, 15 minutes
Learn More
Google Pixel 9a Review
- Exceptional hardware
- Excellent displays
- Solid performance
- Powerful software
- Strong radios
- Outlandishly expensive
- Only average battery life
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.
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. Thanks to its DeX mode for big-screen tasks, it’s also a fantastic choice for productivity.
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
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Review
- Refined and appealing hardware
- Advanced, easy-to-use AI features
- Excellent cameras
- Long-term support
- Battery life should be longer
- No physical SIM card support
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.
If you enjoy mobile photography or want a clean Google software experience, the Pixel 10 Pro is the Android phone to get. Just remember that US models support eSIM only.
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
Learn More
Google Pixel 10 Pro Review
- Excellent value
- Good performance
- Above-average cameras
- Splashproof
- Six-year support window
A 5G phone with a high-resolution screen and a triple-camera setup for a quarter of the price of a Galaxy S25? That’s the Galaxy A16 5G. Samsung also promises six OS upgrades, meaning you can keep it for years without worry.
If you want to get on a 5G network for not a lot of money, the Samsung A16 5G is an excellent and affordable pick that more than meets expectations.
Operating System
Android 14
CPU
Samsung Exynos 1330
Dimensions
6.47 by 3.07 by 0.31 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)
13 hours 46 minutes
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Review
- Outstanding cameras
- Top video features
- Category-leading battery life
- Terrific screen
- Fast performance
- High-quality hardware
- Might be too big for some
- Most expensive iPhone
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is packed with everything Apple has to offer. It has a big screen, its battery lasts over 34 hours, the Camera Control button provides more creative flexibility, and its upgraded radios mean faster wireless performance. It also has advanced video capture tools that are some of the best available on any phone.
Simply put, this is the best iPhone if you want all the latest features, the best video camera you can get, and the longest battery life of any iPhone.
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
Learn More
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Review
- Bright displays
- Category-leading battery life
- Powerful performance
- Fun folding form factor
- Middling cameras
- Mediocre AI
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 and fun design makes up for that. This device bends in half at the waist and flips down into a small, pocketable square that’s easy to use even when closed. It also benefits from an improved IP48 waterproof rating, which means it can handle dust and water better than previous generations.
This foldable is ideal if you’re tired of the same old slab-style smartphones. The Razr Ultra might not be quite as powerful as a Galaxy or a Pixel flagship, but it’s got far more personality.
Operating System
Android 15
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform
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)
22 hours, 3 minutes
Learn More
Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) Review
- Class-leading battery life
- Bright, crisp screen
- Impressive performance
- Fast wired and wireless charging
- Solid build quality
- Lacks mmWave 5G
- Shorter software support window than competing phones
The OnePlus 13 is an off-the-beaten-path flagship that competes with its top rivals spec-for-spec. It has a great screen, solid performance, the OnePlus ringer switch, and a unique user interface. Moreover, its 5,000mAh battery charges faster than most: It goes from 0% to 100% in about half an hour with the included 80W charger.
A top-tier processor, super-fast charging, and a reasonable price make the OnePlus 13 an ideal Android phone if you’re a power user who doesn’t want to spend too much.
Operating System
Android 15
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform
Dimensions
6.41 by 3.01 by 0.33 inches
Screen Size
6.82 inches
Screen Resolution
3,168 by 1,440 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
50MP, 50MP, 50MP; 32MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
24 hours, 28 minutes
Learn More
OnePlus 13 Review
- Affordable
- Clear earpiece and speakerphone
- Wi-Fi
- Email access
- FM radio
- Mediocre battery life
- Limited third-party apps
- Poor cameras
Nothing beats the simplicity of a flip phone for calling and basic texting. The affordable TCL Flip 3 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.
If you simply want a basic phone for voice calls and messaging, the TCL Flip 3 is the phone you should get.
Operating System
KaiOS
CPU
Qualcomm QM215
Dimensions
4 .22 by 2.34 by 0.78 inches
Screen Size
3.2 inches
Screen Resolution
320 by 240 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
5MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
Approximately 10.5 hours of talk time
Learn More
TCL Flip 3 Review
Get Our Best Stories!
A Smart, Bold Take on the Wireless World
By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!
Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!
The Best Unlocked Phones for 2025
Compare Specs
Buying Guide: The Best Unlocked Phones for 2025
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 go with a prepaid carrier, ensure it supports the phone you want; we’ve read reports about select MVNOs not supporting phones that theoretically should work on their networks.
What Is 5G?
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.
Left to right: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, S25+, S25 (Credit: Eric Zeman)
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.
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 (Google, OnePlus, Samsung) are good bets 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.
Apple iPhone 17 (Credit: Eric Zeman)
If that large up-front payment is a concern, some retailers, including Apple, Best Buy, Google, and Samsung, will allow you to finance phones over two or three years to break down the cost.
Recommended by Our Editors
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.
