9 Tips to Get the Best Price on a Cell Phone

Phones have become major investments. Sure, there are some solid cost-friendly options out there, but factor in taxes and accessories, and you're looking at spending at least a few hundred dollars. And that doesn't even include a service plan!

The good news is, it’s still possible to get a good deal on a new phone. Follow our tips to get the best price possible on your next mobile device.

Timing Is Key

A manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is just that—a suggestion. Phone prices fluctuate greatly depending on the time of year, product life cycle, and planned promotions. Give yourself time to shop around and monitor prices, and you might be able to score a flagship at a midrange price.

Once you find the right phone at the right price, you’ll want to act fast, especially if the offer is through a carrier. Flash promotions and sales can end quickly, and if you miss one, you’ll probably be waiting at least a few weeks before you find a similar deal. Also keep in mind that most carrier promotions tend to launch early in the week.

This brings us to our next tip...

Do Some Holiday Shopping for Yourself

Shopping for a phone around the holidays can score big wins for your wallet. This doesn’t mean you have to wait until Black Friday, though. Most manufacturers and carriers offer some sort of promotion for every US holiday (as well non-holidays like Amazon Prime Day and Apple's Back to School Promotion).

(Cautiously) Consider Carrier Promotions

Buying from a carrier can have its benefits. For instance, some carriers offer promotions where new subscribers get a prepaid gift card after you've had service for a certain number of months. Others offer rebates that are credited to your account over 18 to 24 months. It's important to read the terms and conditions of any promotion to make sure it’s a commitment you want to make.

Buy Unlocked

Although buying an unlocked phone may not save you money at checkout, it can be a better value in the long run. Unlocked phones give you the freedom to shop around and move between carriers for the best deal. And they tend to have less bloatware (preinstalled software) than carrier phones, so you're less likely to need to add more storage. 

Shop Online

Although most carrier and big-box shops have the same pricing as you’ll find online, that doesn’t mean you’re getting the best deal. Carrier websites frequently have promotions for discounted activation fees and promotional gift cards you won’t find in stores.

Get Last Year's Flagship

Sure, you can spend a few hundred dollars on a brand-new midrange phone, but you also might be able to score the same price on one of last year's flagship models that likely offers better specs and performance. When new phones are released, older models are usually discounted, and carriers frequently offer the same, or similar, promotions on these phones as they do on the new versions. 

Refurbished Phones Can Save You Big Bucks

There's a big difference between used and refurbished (or reconditioned) phones. Used phones are typically sold as is. Refurbished phones, on the other hand, usually look brand new, have a fresh battery, and come with some form of warranty. If you decide to purchase a refurbished phone, check the model number to make sure it's a US model with LTE band support for your carrier. Also be sure to shop from trustworthy sources (such as Apple, Best Buy, Gazelle, etc.) so you can be certain the phone is actually reconditioned and is not blacklisted.

Trade In Your Old Phone

Look for guaranteed trade-in promotions from carriers or manufacturers and compare it with places like Best Buy and Gazelle. Dedicated trade-in sites aren't quite as seamless as swapping your old phone out to the same store where you're picking up your new one, but they often pay more money. Just be sure to give an accurate assessment of the quality of your phone for the best estimate.

The Best Cheap Phone Plans

Even the most expensive phone is basically just a fancy brick if it doesn't have service. There are a lot of options out there beyond AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, and they can save you a lot of money. Once you find the right phone, head over to our story on the best cheap phone plans to find the right cost-effective service for you.