If you’ve ever shopped for cell phones, you might want to know the top places to buy unlocked phones. Why might you want to buy an unlocked phone instead of a locked cell phone?
Unlocked cell phones offer you benefits that locked phones can’t provide.
Besides, you could save hundreds or even thousands of dollars if you can purchase an unlocked phone instead of a locked one.
We’ll show you where the best places are to buy unlocked phones. Plus, you’ll find out more information on why you might want to buy an unlocked phone instead of a locked one.
In This Article
Top Places to Buy Unlocked Phones
When you’re buying an unlocked phone, you’ll want to be sure to read the fine print to see if it’s new or refurbished. If you buy directly from a manufacturer, you can typically find both new and refurbished phones.
But many third-party retailers only sell refurbished phones. This means they’ve been cleaned up and returned to “like new” condition. Now, manufacturers refurbish and sell their own phones that have been returned.
However, there are also third-party refurbishers. When buying a phone that has been refurbished by a third party, it’s important to use caution and check reviews. Not all third party refurbishers know what they’re doing.
Let’s talk about where you can buy unlocked phones. Several retailers offer unlocked phones.
Here are a few of our favorites:
1. Amazon
We all know that Amazon carries just about everything you could want or need. Unlocked cell phones are no exception.
Amazon carries new unlocked phones from several manufacturers, including:
- Samsung
- Nokia
- Motorola
- iPhone
Plus, several others which you may or may not have heard of. Of course, as is customary with Amazon, many times, you’ll get free shipping when you buy unlocked phones. And if you’ve got Amazon Prime, you can get free two-day shipping.
Amazon offers both new and used unlocked phones. And they sell from manufacturers and third-party sellers. So you’ll want to check with the seller regarding warranties and such. Each seller will have different terms and conditions as far as warranties and returns go.
As usual, Amazon offers some of the best prices and largest variety out there on unlocked phones.
2. Walmart
Walmart is another retailer that sells a lot of unlocked phones. When I checked for this article, the Walmart website had brands such as:
- Samsung
- Motorola
- BLU
- ROKiT
- iPhone
- Indigi
Walmart offers unlocked phones in a wide variety of styles, screen sizes, and prices as well. I found an old fashioned style unlocked phone for $29.99 and an iPhone SE for $400. And everything in between.
Note that when you’re shopping in-store, you’ll likely only find new unlocked phones. And of course, buying in the store means you’ll get your phone right away.
However, when shopping at Walmart online, they connect to thousands of third-party retailers. This means you can find refurbished unlocked phones on the Walmart site if you put that term in the search bar.
Walmart has a disclaimer on its site that says if you’re buying from a third-party retailer, Walmart guarantees and returns don’t apply. Keep this in mind when purchasing an unlocked phone from a third-party retailer on the Walmart website.
3. Best Buy
Best Buy also has a large selection if you want to buy unlocked phones.
You can choose from several brands such as:
- iPhone
- Motorola
- Samsung
- Nokia
- Sony
- BLU
- LG
Notably, one thing you might see on Best Buy and some of the other sites is that the prices they’re showing say “Activate today.” They also might have a higher price shown that says “Activate later.”
In other words, you’ll save money if you activate the phone today when you purchase it at Best Buy and activate it with one of Best Buy’s carrier partners. Plus, the price might vary based on which carrier you use as well.
For instance, I clicked on a few listings for an unlocked iPhone at Best Buy. Based on when I activated and which carrier I went with, it showed me different purchase prices.
- Sprint: $399 when activated today
- Verizon: $449 when activated today
- AT&T: $449 when activated today
- Activate later on my own: $449
Remember that it’s essential to read the fine print if you take advantage of a deal like this. Know what you’ll be paying each month, what the term is if you’re locked into a contract and what it might cost you if you cancel that contract.
You should also be aware that you might find these kinds of pricing deals with other retailers of unlocked phones as well.
4. Swappa
Swappa sells used unlocked cell phones. While it might feel risky to buy a used unlocked cell phone on a site like Swappa, rest easy. Swappa has guidelines that sellers have to adhere to when selling their phones on Swappa.
For example, the device has to be fully functional. Also, the device has to be clean and ready for activation. Swappa doesn’t allow sellers to offer phones that are cracked or have water or other damage.
On top of that, they only allow sellers to sell phones with working batteries. And although you won’t be able to return a phone you buy on Swappa, the site does have a thorough review process for all listings.
They also have an evaluation system where you can review sellers and leave comments. All of these precautions make buying an unlocked phone from Swappa safer.
And Swappa offers a variety of unlocked cell phones from different manufacturers too, including:
- OnePlus
- iPhone
- Google Pixel
- Samsung
- Motorola
- LG
If you’re looking to sell a used cell phone, Swappa can help you there, too, as can several other sites. See this article for more on selling used cell phones to places like Swappa.
5. Target
Like Walmart, Target offers several different brands of unlocked cell phones.
The site features brands such as:
- Nokia
- LG
- BLU
- Motorola
- iPhone
Be aware that Target has a disclaimer on some of their listings that most of their unlocked cell phones are compatible with GSM carriers but not with CDMA carriers. See the section below for the difference.
And note that some iPhones on the Target site are compatible with both GSM and CDMA carriers. You might want to check other sites as well to learn more about compatibility before buying.
6. Newegg
Newegg is a tech-focused online retailer that sells cell phones, laptops, PCs and a host of other tech gadgets. As far as unlocked phones go, they’ve got a smaller selection of phone brands.
However, they’ve got great prices and both new and used unlocked phones. When I visited the site, I only saw Samsung, iPhone, and Motorola for sale.
But the prices seem competitive. Note that Newegg has phones that are sold by Newegg as well as phones sold by third-party retailers. Keep that in mind when you’re looking at shipping costs and return policies.
Also, Newegg may charge a restocking fee on a returned item. In other words, read the fine print before you buy.
7. Overstock
You’ve probably heard of Overstock and maybe even shopped on the site. I knew Overstock was great for buying home decor items and furniture.
But I didn’t know you could buy unlocked phones there too! When I checked the website, Overstock was selling unlocked phones in several brands, including:
- Sony
- Samsung
- Apple
- BLU
As of this writing, Overstock is offering free shipping to the contiguous 48 states. And they offer free returns for items purchased within the last 30 days if they’re new and unused.
Note that like Newegg, Overstock advertises refurbished phones and other items sold by approved third-party retailers in their Marketplace section.
However, Overstock’s shipping and return policies don’t apply to items for sale in the Overstock Marketplace. See individual seller shipping and return policies for more information.
8. eBay
eBay is another popular site for purchasing unlocked phones. As with other sites, eBay sells both new and used unlocked cell phones.
They’ve got pretty much every brand and type of phone available. And some sellers offer pretty attractive prices too.
As eBay is a seller’s marketplace, you’ll want to be sure to check the terms on your purchase. With any seller you’re considering working with, read the fine print, check shipping costs and the return policies.
While most eBay sellers are just guys (and gals) selling stuff out of their garage, they have worked to become experts at buying and reselling items for a profit. In other words, retail arbitrage.
However, it’s still best when buying from a marketplace like eBay to do some research before you buy.
Personally, I’ve found eBay’s reviews section to be very helpful in this regard. Buyers are happy to leave reviews for sellers, both good and bad. And I definitely look at the reviews when I’m buying anything from an eBay seller.
9. Gazelle
Gazelle is another electronics site that specializes in buying and selling cell phones. Note that with Gazelle, you’ll likely only find used unlocked cell phones to buy.
To explain, Gazelle buys phones from customers and then refurbishes and sells those phones. They offer a certified quality guarantee, a 30-day return policy, and low prices.
Because Gazelle buys from a wide variety of buyers, you can buy unlocked phones from various manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung, Nokia and many more.
Each phone has a condition stated either Excellent, Good or Fair. This rating helps you know more about the phone you’re looking to buy. Shipping prices are based on the weight of the phone, and phones are shipped primarily through USPS or FedEx.
Gazelle provides tracking numbers with all purchases as well.
Special Offer: $25 off your first purchase of $250 with Gazelle.com
10. B&H Photo Video
B& H Photo Video has become somewhat of a phenomenon in the retail world. The company’s superstore is in New York City; however, they’ve created a large online following. The company sells photo and video equipment, as well as cell phones and other tech items.
You can find many different brands of unlocked phones here. Shipping is free for most purchases over $49, and they’ve got a 30-day return policy.
They offer returns on some used cell phones as well. But you’ll need to see the website for terms and conditions. There may be limitations and a restocking fee involved.
GSM vs. CDMA Compatibility
As mentioned above, it’s important to look into the compatibility of a phone before you buy unlocked phones. GSM (Global System for Mobiles) and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) have to do with 2G and 3G networks.
They are systems that help operate the phones. In 2010 when 4G came out, all carriers switched to a single network: LTE.
LTE is still in use today in 4G and 5G phones. 5G is the latest in wireless technology. Phones with 5G can connect to most everything virtually.
Moreover, GSM and CDMA are still available for 2G and 3G phones.
Most carriers plan to phase out GSM and CDMA systems by the end of 2021. But until then, you’ll need to know which ones use which systems when you buy an unlocked phone from a third party retailer or a manufacturer.
Since the systems aren’t compatible, you’ll need to know which system the carrier you want to use operates on. But these codes only apply to 2G and 3G phones. If you’re buying a higher grade phone like a 4G or up, the GSM and CDMA standards don’t apply.
Why You Might Want to Buy Unlocked Phones
So why do you want to know where you can buy unlocked phones? Here’s the deal. When you buy a phone from a carrier, you’re typically buying a “carrier” or “locked” phone. This means that the phone is already set up with the carrier’s settings and usable with that carrier only.
Notably, there can be some advantages to buying locked phones through the carrier. With locked phones, you often get a significant discount on the phone. This bargain is because the carrier rewards you, entices you and encourages you since you’re locking into a contract with them.
Or the list price for a locked phone might be more than if you purchased an unlocked phone. Nevertheless, the carrier might offer special financing options like zero-interest financing. You can pay for the phone over a year or so, easing the financial burden of getting a new phone.
Moreover, with a locked phone, you’re obligated to use that phone with the carrier you bought it from. In other words, you can’t take the phone to another carrier. Well, you might be able to, but there are usually stipulations for doing so. You might have to call the company’s customer service number and request your phone to be unlocked.
And after you make the request, you might find yourself waiting weeks for it to be processed.
Summary
When you buy unlocked phones, you can find great deals on pricing without being locked into a specific carrier. While it’s important to purchase with caution–especially when buying used–good deals abound in this market.
Just be sure you’re reading the terms and fine print carefully. Also, know for certain which carriers the phone is compatible with before you buy.
The last thing you want to do is buy a phone that’s not compatible with the carrier you want to use.
