The best places to buy phones in 2024
Stores on the list excel in price, selection, quality and customer service
Don Reisinger Don Reisinger Don Reisinger is a technology writer with over 12 years of experience. His work has appeared in Fortune, PCMag, CNET, and The New York Times, among others. lifewire's Editorial Guidelines updated on March 13, 2024We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. We may receive compensation if you click on a link we provide. learn more.
Pick up in person or mail
Also sign up for service
Filter results to find only discounted phones
Easily compare specs across multiple phones
Missing RAM filtering option
Best Buy is a great choice for buying a new smartphone online or in store. You can even request a new smartphone from the online store, drop it off at your local Best Buy store, and pick it up the same day.
Best Buy has a great selection of smartphones and cell phones, from budget phones to today's most high-end phones. Even better, it's an authorized reseller for major U.S. carriers, so if you want to sign up for a new Verizon or AT&T account, for example, you can do it at Best Buy without going to a carrier location.
Best Buy's field staff are knowledgeable; the company launches new smartphones the day they're released and often runs sales.
Great for those looking for an affordable phone
Many useful filtering options to find what you're looking for
Frequent limited time offers
Can't easily compare multiple phones at the same time
Amazon is focused on making cheaper phones to appeal to the large number of people on a budget who don't like spending $1,000 on a new smartphone. Since most devices offer free shipping, you can get a new phone from the company quickly when you order online.
Interestingly, Amazon doesn't have an exhaustive lineup of smartphones. Granted, the site allows you to find tons of phones from companies like LG, Asus, and even a few Chinese vendors, but if you're looking for a brand-new iPhone or Samsung Galaxy device, Amazon can sometimes be a little late. game.
But if you're looking for an affordable smartphone, Amazon is well worth a look.
It might be cheaper to shop here
Buy online or in store
multiple choices
Can't sort by customer ratings
Walmart bridges the gap between Best Buy and Amazon.
Like Amazon, Walmart is a top place to buy budget smartphones and basic phones. But it also sells high-end new devices, such as Apple's iPhone and Samsung Galaxy smartphones. Because Walmart has some clout in negotiations with smartphone manufacturers, you'll often find slightly discounted prices on its devices compared to some of its competitors.
Beyond that, Walmart is a top choice for convenience as the company has both an online presence and physical stores. Since its stores are spread out over many locations, it shouldn't be difficult to find what you want, when you want it.
The first choice for Apple fans
Helpful staff
Unlike most retailers, iPhone only
If you're an iPhone fan, the Apple Store is the place to go.
Apple has one of the best retail experiences in this roundup. Its stores are well designed and the staff are knowledgeable, and if you want to get your iPhone repaired, going to the Apple Store is your best bet.
If you buy a new iPhone on launch day, Apple stores have the most inventory and are most likely to have the device you want. Add to that an excellent online store with fast shipping and cheap prices, and if you're on the iPhone team, Apple is the way to go.
Find deals on used mobile phones
Tons of user reviews to help you decide
iPhone rental options
Can't sort by customer ratings
Must purchase online
If you don't want to spend too much money on a new smartphone but realize it's time for something new, Gazelle is the way to go.
Gazelle is an online marketplace for reselling used equipment. Let's say you want to buy a new iPhone. Instead of buying a new one, you can go to Gazelle and pick up smartphones that other people have turned in. Gazelle ensures smartphones are in good working order and priced based on their condition and overall value. Best of all, you can use Gazelle to shop for the latest and greatest smartphones, including iPhones and Android devices, without having to wait weeks or months to see new products drop in price.
Gazelle is one of many similar companies selling used cell phones. But for those who want to buy an expensive smartphone at a good price, this is a worthy choice.
Multiple payment methods
In-store and online shopping
The smart way to get rid of your old phone
You're unlikely to find a great deal
While not all major wireless carriers (AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile) offer the same devices or have the same plans, they generally offer a standard shopping experience.
When you walk into a carrier store, in most cases you're probably passing up any chance to buy a new smartphone at a great price. But you can expect your carrier to offer you a variety of ways to buy the phone, including paying up front or paying in monthly installments. If you are a new customer, you can ask the salesperson if there is an opportunity to take advantage of cheaper prices by signing up for a new product line.
Carriers are increasingly expanding their product lines so you can go buy accessories on site, too. If you don't want to go to a store, all major carriers offer excellent online marketplaces to help you quickly buy the latest and greatest smartphones.
Nice collection of old phones
Frequent discounts
Relatively small range of choices
JD Power annually ranks the shopping experience of major carriers and smaller prepaid wireless carriers. Every year, some companies like Boost Mobile, Cricket Wireless, and others rank higher than their larger peers.
Going to a prepaid wireless carrier for a new phone might be a good option.
Prepaid carriers typically offer solid plan prices and are more flexible in structuring deals than the major carriers. Although prepaid carriers generally have a wider inventory of cheap smartphones, if you want a new iPhone or a top-of-the-line Android device, you can go to a prepaid carrier and buy what you want.
Note, however, that prepaid carriers rely on major carrier networks to provide service. So be sure to check which carriers your prepaid company relies on to see if coverage is good in your area.
FAQIf you're looking for an unlocked phone, Amazon is one of the best sources. Most major manufacturers have unlocked their device models, meaning you can use the phone on all major US carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile/Sprint, and Verizon. Amazon has a variety of flagship, mid-range, and budget devices that are all available unlocked. Purchasing them allows you to use your own SIM card and services.
If you're on a tight budget and don't need the latest and greatest phone, a used phone is a great way to save money. eBay is a great source for used cell phones. Sellers must upload photos and list the condition of the device. Other options for used cell phones include Swappa, Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist.
If you want to protect your phone from drops, damage, and theft, a cell phone insurance plan can give you peace of mind. Our roundup of the best cell phone insurance providers offers great options for people with multiple devices, those on a budget, families, and more. Credit cards also offer phone insurance, so you should check with your provider.
