Looking for an affordable iPhone without carrier restrictions? Here’s everything you need to know about getting the best deals on unlocked iPhones that won’t break the bank.
TL;DR Quick Answer:
Looking for a cheap unlocked iPhone? Here’s what you need to know: The iPhone 16e at $599 new is Apple’s most affordable current model with Apple Intelligence support. For even bigger savings, refurbished iPhones from trusted marketplaces like Back Market, Swappa, and Gazelle offer 30-70% off retail prices with warranties included.
Best budget picks right now: iPhone 13 from $198 (great all-rounder), iPhone 14 from $220 (excellent value), or iPhone 16e from $236 refurbished (newest budget option with Apple Intelligence).
Why Buy an Unlocked iPhone?
An unlocked iPhone gives you the freedom that carrier-locked phones simply can’t match. When you buy unlocked, you’re not tied to any specific carrier – meaning you can switch between AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, or any MVNO whenever you find a better deal.
This flexibility becomes especially valuable when traveling internationally. Instead of paying expensive roaming fees, just pop in a local SIM card or activate a travel eSIM and connect to local networks instantly. Plus, unlocked phones typically have higher resale value since they appeal to a broader market of buyers.
The good news? You don’t have to pay premium prices to get an unlocked iPhone. Whether you’re buying new, refurbished, or used, there are plenty of ways to save money while still getting a quality device that works with any carrier.
Cheap Unlocked iPhone Comparison 2026
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the most affordable unlocked iPhones available right now. Prices shown are starting prices for refurbished/used models from trusted marketplaces, along with new retail prices where applicable.
| iPhone Model | Used/Refurb Price | New Price | Chip | Display | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 12 | From $150 | Discontinued | A14 Bionic | 6.1″ OLED | Tight budgets |
| iPhone 13 | From $198 | Discontinued | A15 Bionic | 6.1″ OLED | Best value overall |
| iPhone 13 Pro | From $255 | Discontinued | A15 Bionic | 6.1″ 120Hz | Camera enthusiasts |
| iPhone 14 | From $220 | Discontinued | A15 Bionic | 6.1″ OLED | Modern features |
| iPhone 14 Pro | From $305 | Discontinued | A16 Bionic | 6.1″ 120Hz | Dynamic Island |
| iPhone 16e | From $236 | $599 | A18 | 6.1″ OLED | Apple Intelligence |
| iPhone 15 | From $339 | $699 | A16 Bionic | 6.1″ OLED | USB-C, 48MP camera |
| iPhone 15 Pro | From $391 | Discontinued | A17 Pro | 6.1″ 120Hz | Pro features, titanium |
Prices updated February 2026. Refurbished prices from Swappa, Back Market, and Gazelle. Actual prices may vary based on condition, storage size, and seller.
Best Cheap Unlocked iPhones Right Now
Best Overall Value: iPhone 13 (From $198)
The iPhone 13 hits the sweet spot between price and performance. Even though it launched back in 2021, this phone still feels modern with its A15 Bionic chip that handles everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking without breaking a sweat. The dual-camera system takes excellent photos, and you get a beautiful 6.1-inch OLED display with great colors and contrast.
At around $200 refurbished, you’re getting a phone that originally cost $799 – that’s a massive 75% savings. Battery life remains solid, and you’ll get iOS updates for several more years.
Best for Apple Intelligence: iPhone 16e (From $236 Refurb / $599 New)
Apple’s newest budget iPhone, the iPhone 16e, launched in February 2025 and replaced the iPhone SE line. This is the most affordable way to get Apple Intelligence features, thanks to its A18 chip and 8GB of RAM. You get Face ID (Touch ID is officially retired), a 6.1-inch OLED display, and massively improved battery life that lasts up to 12 hours longer than older SE models.
The design mirrors the iPhone 14, so you’re getting a modern look without the chunky bezels of previous SE phones. If you want the newest tech at the lowest price point, this is your pick.
Best for Photography: iPhone 13 Pro (From $255)
For photography enthusiasts on a budget, the iPhone 13 Pro offers incredible value. You get a triple camera system with telephoto lens, ProMotion 120Hz display, and the LiDAR scanner – features that were cutting-edge when it launched. The camera captures stunning photos in all lighting conditions, and the smooth 120Hz display makes everything feel buttery smooth.
Best Modern Features: iPhone 14 (From $220)
The iPhone 14 brings crash detection, emergency SOS via satellite, and improved camera features at an affordable price point. It shares the same A15 Bionic chip as the iPhone 13 but with an extra GPU core. The camera improvements in low light are noticeable, and the longer battery life is a welcome upgrade.
Where to Buy Cheap Unlocked iPhones
Not all marketplaces are created equal. Here are the most trusted places to buy refurbished and used unlocked iPhones, along with what makes each one stand out.
1-Year Warranty
Buyer Protected
30-Day Returns
1-Year Warranty
Apple Warranty
90-Day Guarantee
New vs. Refurbished: What’s Right for You?
Choosing between a new and refurbished iPhone comes down to your priorities. Here’s an honest breakdown of the pros and cons to help you decide.
Essential Tips Before You Buy
🔍 Smart Shopping Checklist
- Check battery health: Look for listings that show battery capacity. Aim for 80% or higher – anything below may need a replacement soon ($89+ at Apple).
- Verify it’s truly unlocked: Some phones sold as “unlocked” are actually carrier-unlocked with restrictions. Ask the seller to confirm or check the IMEI before buying.
- Understand condition grades: “Excellent” typically means minimal wear, “Good” may have light scratches, and “Fair” could have noticeable cosmetic damage but functions perfectly.
- Check carrier compatibility: While most unlocked iPhones work on all major carriers, verify that your carrier’s specific bands are supported, especially for 5G.
- Look for return policies: Reputable sellers offer at least 30 days to return. This gives you time to thoroughly test the device.
- Compare prices across platforms: The same model can vary by $50-100 between marketplaces. Take 10 minutes to compare before buying.
- Avoid deals that seem too good: If a price seems way below market value, it’s likely a scam or the phone has issues not disclosed in the listing.
Never buy from random social media sellers or sketchy websites offering “unbelievable deals.” Stick to established marketplaces with buyer protection. Always check the IMEI using Apple’s activation lock checker or third-party services to ensure the phone isn’t stolen or blacklisted.
A Note on eSIM-Only iPhones
Starting with the iPhone 14 series in the US, Apple removed the physical SIM tray entirely. This means the iPhone 14, 15, 16, 16e, and newer models purchased in the US are eSIM-only devices.
This isn’t a deal-breaker for most people – all major US carriers support eSIM activation, and setup is usually automatic. However, there are a few things to consider:
If you travel frequently to countries where eSIM isn’t widely supported, you might want to consider an iPhone 13 or earlier model that still has the SIM tray. Alternatively, you can buy an iPhone 14 or newer from other countries (like Europe or Asia) where physical SIM support is still available – just make sure it’s compatible with US carrier bands.
The cheapest unlocked iPhones you can find right now are the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12, starting around $150 refurbished. For a bit more money ($198+), the iPhone 13 offers significantly better value with improved cameras, battery life, and longer software support. If you need a new phone from Apple, the iPhone 16e at $599 is the most affordable current model.
Yes, buying refurbished is safe when you purchase from reputable sellers like Back Market, Swappa, Gazelle, or Apple Certified Refurbished. These platforms inspect, test, and certify devices before selling them. You’ll also get a warranty (typically 30 days to 1 year) and return protection. Just avoid random sellers on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist where you have no buyer protection.
Unlocked iPhones are designed to work with any carrier that supports iPhone. This includes all major US carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) and most MVNOs (Mint Mobile, Visible, Cricket, etc.). Just insert your SIM card or set up eSIM, and you’re good to go. For 5G specifically, verify that your carrier’s 5G bands are supported by checking the iPhone’s technical specifications.
You can check if an iPhone is unlocked by going to Settings > General > About and looking for “Carrier Lock” status. It should say “No SIM restrictions” for a fully unlocked phone. Alternatively, you can contact the original carrier with the IMEI number, or simply try inserting a SIM from a different carrier to see if it activates.
It depends on your priorities. Buy new if you want the latest features, full warranty, and peace of mind. Buy refurbished if you want to save 30-70% and don’t mind minor cosmetic wear. Refurbished phones from certified sellers function just like new – you’re mainly giving up pristine cosmetics and the “new in box” experience. For most people, refurbished offers the best value for money.
Generally avoid iPhones older than the iPhone 11 unless you’re on an extremely tight budget. These older models are approaching end of software support, have aging batteries, and lack modern features like 5G. Also be cautious of the iPhone 15 at its current price ($699 new) – the iPhone 16e offers nearly identical performance with Apple Intelligence support for $100 less.
A quality refurbished iPhone should last 3-5+ years, depending on the model. Apple typically supports iPhones with software updates for 5-6 years after release. The key factors are battery health (can be replaced for $89-99 at Apple) and the model’s age. An iPhone 13 bought refurbished today should easily last until 2028 or beyond with proper care.
Absolutely! That’s one of the biggest advantages of unlocked phones. When traveling, you can purchase a local SIM card or activate an eSIM from providers like Airalo, Holafly, or carrier travel plans. This gives you data and calling at local rates instead of expensive international roaming. Note that eSIM-only iPhones (iPhone 14+ in US) require eSIM support in your destination country.
