How to buy cheap iPhones without contract in 2020?

Cheap iPhones without contract in 2020 – without carrier plan

How to buy cheap iPhones without contract in 2020? There is a way in which you can evade yourself from making a contract with iPhone and end up in paying a lot of money due to the contract that binds them. iPhone contract is whereby you are in a deal with the network service provider. By being in that contract, you are likely to pay a sum of the money which is set to purchase the iPhone and the rest of the amount will be paid by installments for the next two years.

vacuums & floor care is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Raed more

So how to buy cheap iPhones without contract in 2020? If you get an iPhone from AT&T, you are likely to pay around $350 upfront, and the remaining amount can be paid for two years or depending on the terms of the network service provider. The catch here is that if you move to another carrier without completing the payment, you will be penalised dearly. But how to buy cheap iPhones without contract in 2020?

To evade all that, this article will give you more prior knowledge on how to buy cheap iPhones without contract in 2020? Some factors which may force you into a contract can be the following:

  • Carriers who have limit you to the contract option only
  • If you are getting a free government phone
  • If the user wishes to pay in instalments etc.

These are some of the factors which bind people into buying an iPhone with a contract.

What are the cheap iPhones with contract in 2020?

As far as iPhone deals are concerned, the newer iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max take center stage, but deals for several of the older (yet still very capable) iPhones are readily available. AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon all have excellent iPhone deals. 

On this page, we’ve detailed out the best iPhone deals as updated on February 10, 2020 from all the major carriers and retailers in the country.

Today’s Best iPhone Deals

Best iPhone 11 and 11 Pro Deals


The iPhone 11 released late in 2019. With it’s advanced specs and powerful camera system, this new set of iPhones is very impressive. The iPhone 11 starts at $699. iPhone 11 Pro prices start at $999 while the iPhone 11 Pro Max starts at $1099. 

Free iPhone 11

LIMITED TIME

Get your iPhone 11 free from Sprint.

  • What: Lease a new iPhone 11 for free with eligible trade-in from Sprint
  • Savings: $525

Sprint

Sprint Unlimited Plus Plan

Sprint - How to buy cheap iPhones without contract in 2020?
CarrierSprint
Included PhoneiPhone 11 128GB
DataUnlimited Data
TypeInstallments (24 mos)
Current DealGet the iPhone 11 64GB for $15/mo. after $14.17 monthly credits with Flex Lease with a new line OR for FREE with eligible smartphone trade-in + Apple TV+ trial included
Total Price$85 per month$20 off lines 3-5 until 01/31/2021+ $80 Upfront
 Go to Site
iPhone 11 128GB - How to buy cheap iPhones without contract in 2020?

View full details 


iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 BOGO Deal from Verizon

LIMITED TIME

Get a huge discount on two new iPhone 11s from Verizon

  • What: Get up to $700 off a second iPhone when purchasing your first on one of Verizon’s unlimited plans.
  • Savings: $700

Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless Do More Unlimited Plan

Verizon Wireless
CarrierVerizon Wireless
Included PhoneiPhone 11 64GB
DataUnlimited Data
Current DealBuy One, Get One eligible iPhone $700 off with Unlimited OR get up to $300 credit with select trade-in and upgrade + Apple TV+ trial included
Total Price$109.16 per monthwith Auto-Pay discount+ $20 Upfront
 Go to Site
iPhone 11 64GB How to buy cheap iPhones without contract in 2020?

View full details


iPhone 11 Trade-in Deal from AT&T

LIMITED TIME

Get a great deal on the iPhone 11 with trade-in from AT&T. 

  • What: Trade in your eligible device and get up to $700 in credit towards your iPhone 11 with AT&T. Your credits will be split and applied towards your monthly payments.
  • Savings: $700

AT&T

AT&T Unlimited Extra

AT&T
CarrierAT&T
Included PhoneiPhone 11 64GB
DataUnlimited Data
TypeInstallments (30 mos)
Current DealGet up to $700 in credits when you trade in an eligible smartphone, port-in your number, and switch to AT&T on an eligible Unlimited plan + Available Online Only: $300 Visa Reward card
Total Price$98.34 per monthwith AutoPay & Paperless billing+ $30 Upfront
 Call for AT&T 844-627-4740
iPhone 11 64GB How to buy cheap iPhones without contract in 2020?

View full details 

Best iPhone XR and XS Deals


The iPhone XR is one of the most affordable of the newish iPhones with an original starting price of $749 for the base model. Despite the lower price, you aren’t losing much when it comes to tech.

The XS and the XS Max are not the newest iPhones but remain among Apples high-end models of iPhones and their prices reflect that. Originally, starting at the $999, the iPhone XS is the smaller of the duo (it’s even smaller than the XR), while the bigger iPhone XS Max originally started at a whopping $1099. 

The iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max are the newest phones in the iPhone lineup making deals for unlocked ones very scarce. Most deals for the latest bunch of iPhones come straight from the carriers and typically require you to purchase the phone on a monthly payment plan.

iPhone XS Free from AT&T

LIMITED TIME

Get a big discount for you iPhone XS from AT&T.

  • What: Get your iPhone XS on an AT&T unlimited plan for free after monthly credits.
  • Savings: $900

AT&T

AT&T Unlimited Extra

AT&T
CarrierAT&T
Included PhoneiPhone XS 64GB
DataUnlimited Data
TypeInstallments (30 mos)
Current DealGet the iPhone XS 64GB for FREE after monthly bill credits on an Unlimited plan
Total Price$75 per monthwith AutoPay & Paperless billing+ $30 Upfront
 Call for AT&T 844-627-4740
iPhone XS 64GB How to buy cheap iPhones without contract in 2020?

View full details 

iPhone XR Discount from Sprint

LIMITED TIME

Get a hefty discount on the a new iPhone XR from Sprint.

  • What: Lease the iPhone XR on Sprint Flex and get a monthly discount of $10. That makes your payments just $15/month for the 64GB model.
  • Savings: $180

Sprint

Sprint Unlimited Plus Plan

Sprint
CarrierSprint
Included PhoneiPhone XR 64GB
DataUnlimited Data
TypeInstallments (24 mos)
Current DealGet $10/mo. off this phone with Sprint Flex lease + Apple TV+ trial included
Total Price$85 per month$20 off lines 3-5 until 01/31/2021+ $30 Upfront
 Go to Site
iPhone XR 64GB How to buy cheap iPhones without contract in 2020?

View full details

iPhone X Deals


Apple has stopped making the iPhone X, but some plenty of stock available from the carriers and retailers around the country.

Now that the phone is slightly older, the price has gone down. You’ll find most retailers starting iPhone X pricing at $899.99. Carriers still offer iPhone X deals and many refurbished models are making their presence in the market. 

iPhone X Trade-In Deal from AT&T

LIMITED TIME

Get a new iPhone X from AT&T and receive up to $700 in credit for your trade-in device.

  • What: Trade in an eligible device and get up to $700 off a new iPhone X. Credit will apply over several monthly payments.
  • Savings: $700

AT&T

AT&T Unlimited Extra

AT&T
CarrierAT&T
Included PhoneiPhone X 64GB
DataUnlimited Data
TypeInstallments (30 mos)
Current DealGet up to $700 in credits when you trade in an eligible smartphone, port-in your number, and switch to AT&T on an eligible Unlimited plan + Available Online Only: $300 Visa Reward card
Total Price$105 per monthwith AutoPay & Paperless billing+ $30 Upfront
 Call for AT&T 844-627-4740
iPhone X 64GB - How to buy cheap iPhones without contract in 2020?

View full details 

Best iPhone 8 and 8 Plus Deals


Despite the number difference, the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are actually just as old as the iPhone X. Despite not being as sophisticated, these phones are very serviceable iPhones and their much more affordable price points starting at $599 for the iPhone 8 and $699 fort the 8 Plus make them a great option for iOS enthusiasts. Deals can be found at the major carriers as well as retailers who sell the models unlocked new or refurbished.

iPhone 8 Plus Trade-In Deal from AT&T

LIMITED TIME

Buy your iPhone 8 Plus from AT&T and get a big credit for your trade-in device.

  • What: When you trade-in an eligible device, AT&T will credit you up to $700 to apply towards the monthly payments of your new iPhone 8 Plus. 
  • Savings: $700

AT&T

AT&T Unlimited Extra

AT&T
CarrierAT&T
Included PhoneiPhone 8 Plus 64GB
DataUnlimited Data
TypeInstallments (30 mos)
Current DealGet up to $700 in credits when you trade in an eligible smartphone, port-in your number, and switch to AT&T on an eligible Unlimited plan + Available Online Only: $300 Visa Reward card
Total Price$93.34 per monthwith AutoPay & Paperless billing+ $30 Upfront
 Call for AT&T 844-627-4740
iPhone 8 Plus 64GB How to buy cheap iPhones without contract in 2020?

View full details

Renewed iPhone 8 – $217 from Amazon

RENEWED PHONE

Buy a renewed and unlocked (GSM) iPhone 8 from Amazon and save big off the original full retail price of $549.99.

  • What: Buy a practically new iPhone 8 for just $217 from Amazon.  
  • Savings: $332.99

Best iPhone 7 Deals


Now a couple generations removed from the newest iPhones, the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus remain to be significant products in Apple’s lineup of mobile devices. Since the newer phones have released, prices for the 7 series of iPhones have dropped. The iPhone 7 starts at $449 while the 7 Plus starts at $569. 

You can expect to find iPhone 7 deals from carriers as well as retailers who may be offering deals on unlocked and refurbished iPhone 7 models. 

Free iPhone 7 Deal from AT&T

ONLINE ONLY

Get a new iPhone 7 for free from AT&T with a finance plan.

  • What: Get an iPhone 7 with AT&T’s finance plan and you’ll receive monthly credits towards the phone making the phone totally free.
  • Savings: $700

AT&T

AT&T Unlimited Extra

AT&T
CarrierAT&T
Included PhoneiPhone 7 32GB
DataUnlimited Data
TypeInstallments (30 mos)
Current DealGet the iPhone 7 32GB for FREE after monthly bill credits on an Unlimited plan
Total Price$75 per monthwith AutoPay & Paperless billing+ $30 Upfront
 Call for AT&T 844-627-4740
iPhone 7 32GB - How to buy cheap iPhones without contract in 2020?

View full details 

Best iPhone 6s Deals


The iPhone 6s–the last iPhone to have a 3.55mm headphone jack–is no longer being offered by Apple, but there are still plenty of models on the market. You can find the iPhone typically priced anywhere between $150 to $250 dollars. 

Certified Pre-Owned iPhone 6s – $300 off from Boost Mobile

CLEARANCE SPECIAL

Save big on a refurbished iPhone 6s from Boost.

  • What: Get up to $300 off a certified pre-owned iPhone 6s with Boost Mobile.
  • Savings: $300 

Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile 3 Gigs of 4G LTE

Boost Mobile
CarrierBoost Mobile
Included PhoneiPhone 6s 32GB
Data3GB Full Speed Data
TypeOutright
Current DealGet $300 off this iPhone
Total Price$35 per 30 days+ $149.99 Upfront
 Go to Site
iPhone 6s 32GB - How to buy cheap iPhones without contract in 2020?

View full details 

Best iPhone SE Deals


Perhaps the most beloved iPhone of all time for its unobtrusive size yet powerful performance, the iPhone SE is no longer being manufactured by Apple but savvy shoppers can still find them for sale at very reasonable prices. At launch the iPhone SE retailed at a starting point of $399. Current iPhone SE deals should get you up to $100 to $150 off that original price. There aren’t any current deals on the SE, but we’ll keep you updated if any pop up.


What are the benefits of buying cheap iPhones without a contract?

The first and most crucial factor to consider is that when you opt for a contract when getting the iPhone, you will end up paying more money. This is because you are paying for the phone in instalments for up to two years and the monthly cost may be very high to raise.

Another limiting point is that you will not be able to switch to any other service provider since the device will be purchased when locked. This will limit you to the plans of the carrier which you may not like. Also to get a prepaid option will be very difficult if your iPhone is under contract. An iPhone under no contract will be able to get a prepaid plan very quickly, and hence it will cut off the cost of monthly payments made.

When you have prepaid plans, you have the option to pay in advance for your talk, text, and data. The best-prepaid plans to use under iPhone come from the big four service providers, which are Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, and AT&T Mobile. With prepaid, you get high-speed data and low monthly cost at the same time and currently, all the latest iPhone models come with 4G network capabilities, so it will not be a pain in the neck. 

The plans will also depend on the carrier through which you have taken your iPhone from. Another point of view is that the iPhone without a contract can come unlocked meaning you can go to any service provider you want. For example, if you purchase the phone from Verizon, you can easily switch to a T-Mobile plan without a hustle since you are not indebted to them.

How to check your iPhone is unlocked?

You should also be careful when you get an iPhone because a dealer may sell you a locked phone and it can only be unlocked once the person clears the remaining payment.

If you wish to know whether the iPhone is locked or unlocked, you can use the settings or a SIM card. For the Sim card, it will give you a prompt requesting you to place the network password. The network password can only be given if your contract with the service carrier is completed.

The second method you can use is by going to the settings, open mobile data options. After that check for the option named Mobile Data Network and if you see that option, you will know that your device is unlocked. This will help you evade fraudsters who will sell you a locked phone which will not allow you to use a carrier that you desire.

How to verify whether you are under a contract?

Generally, the iPhone comes in two different versions. The first is Unlocked, and the second one is the Locked version. If you wish to get the unlocked version, which I highly recommend, you will not be under contract to any service provider. The Unlocked version of iPhones can be purchased from an Authorised Apple Store dealer.

How to buy cheap iPhones without contract in 2020?

Many people get to purchase an iPhone under a contract because they fail to have enough money to buy the phone at once. This can be evaded by establishing a budget. You may be having an old phone, and you may wish to get a new iPhone. You can plan for a budget like, for example, if you wish to get an iPhone 6 valued at $600, you can set a monthly spending budget instead of setting a complete. This entails when you want to buy an iPhone using the Apple payment plan. Once that is established, you can get an unlocked phone hence evade from being under a contract with a carrier. How to buy cheap iPhones without contract in 2020?

The next and most crucial part is to choose on the device which you would wish to get. As of 2019, there are many iPhone devices in the market which you can choose from. Apple Inc. also sells their old versions of iPhones like iPhone 5 and iPhone 6 through places like Amazon and eBay. If you do not wish to get the old versions, you can opt for devices like:

  • iPhone XS
  • iPhone 7
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 8
  • iPhone 7 among other flagship phones

These are some of the best and most updated iPhones to go for. Remember not to buy iPhone 4 since Apple assumes it is too old; hence, no updates will be made to it. Once you identify the phone you want, then you can do a budget as mentioned earlier.

If a new phone is expensive for you, the best and only option is to get a pre-owned phone. Many people fear this since the phone may be spoilt or the accessories that come with it may be of poor quality. However, that should not be a hustle since some websites are known to sell legit pre-owned iPhones in 2019. Some of them include:

  • eBay
  • Amazon
  • Best Buy etc.

Also, you can get an unlocked phone from the network service providers. These providers have a market place whereby it contains all the types of iPhones that anyone would want to get. Some of the carriers include AT&T, Verizon Wireless, among others. How to buy cheap iPhones without contract in 2020?

How to choose a carrier after buying cheap iPhones without contract?

This is an essential factor to consider since many people can choose a carrier which may not favor them on their iPhone devices. This section applies to those who opt for getting an iPhone without a contract. Some key points to take include:

  • The network coverage in the location you are in
  • How often do you travel
  • The amount of data you use
  • Different cellular frequencies.

1) Network coverage

Ensure that you are using a carrier whose network coverage is very efficient. To know if a service provider like T-Mobile is very efficient in your area, and then you can opt for it. For one to choose the best network coverage, he or she can go through the websites of the carriers and check which locations they offer their services.

2) How often do you travel?

As an iPhone user, you may often travel, maybe due to family stuff or business. According to a survey carried out, the best carrier to use if you travel a lot is Verizon Wireless. This is because it has optimal coverage, including data usage.

3) Amount of data you use

iPhone is known to consume a lot of data as compared to android devices. Subscribe to a carrier which has cheap and affordable rates whereby you will get quality and lots of data at a low price.

4) Different cellular frequencies

Generally, your iPhone will use one or two cellular data frequencies, either CDMA or GSM. Both of them are okay, but they all narrow down to your location. Verizon and Sprint use CDMA; hence, their network coverage is optimised compared to AT&T and T-Mobile that use GSM carriers.

Editor’s recommendations