Cell Phones Without a Plan

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Looking for a Cell Phone but Don't Want a Plan?



In many instances you can get a free cell phone when you sign up for a plan. But sometimes, a two year committment isn't what you want. You'll generally pay quite a bit more for the phone itself, but it's possible to use a cell phone without making such a committment.

Learn about your options for getting a cell phone without a plan, and find the phones you want here.

How to Get Cell Phones with No Contract: The Options 

There are two primary ways of getting a cell phone without a plan.

  • Buy an unlocked cell phone. These phones are GSM phones and will work on any GSM network.

  • Buy a prepaid phone. These phones come with prepaid minutes but require no contract. The per minute cost of calling is generally higher than with a contract so these phones are best for those who don't have heavy usage. For such individuals, these phoens can even save money.


  • Learn a bit more about these options below.

    Buying An Unlocked Cell Phone Online 

    If you're shopping for a cell phone without a plan, one of the options is to buy an unlocked cell phone online. After purchasing such a phone the buyer can then get a SIM card from the company of their choice (must be on a compatible GSM network such as AT&T or T-Mobile) to activate service.

    Amazon and e-Bay are sites that carry a number of unlocked phones. You will find a number of these phones lower on this page.

    Prepaid Phones 

    Prepaid phones are another option for getting a cell phone without a plan. Prepaid phones allow you to buy the phone and a set number of minutes to use. When the minutes run out you can decide to purchase more minutes. There is no credit check and no committment to a plan.

    Prepaid phones are available in local retail stores from companies such as Tracfone and Virgin Mobile as well as from more traditional cellular providers. T-Mobile for instance offers To Go, AT&T has the GoPhone, and Verizon Wireless has INpulse. For more information on these prepaid options, visit our Emergency Only Cell Phones page which discusses them in greater detail.

    You will find a number of prepaid phones lower on this page.

    Shop for Unlocked Cell Phones

    Sony Ericsson: Unlocked Cell Phone 

    Sony Ericsson W980 Walkman 8GB Violin Red (unlocked)

    Amazon Price: $239.95 (as of 07/10/2009) Buy Now

    Sony Ericsson W350i Walkman Tri Band Phone (Black)

    Amazon Price: $114.95 (as of 07/10/2009) Buy Now

    Sony Ericsson W350i Ice Blue UNLOCKED

    Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009) Buy Now

    Sony Ericsson K610

    Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009) Buy Now

    Shop for Prepaid Cell Phones

    Another option for an inexpensive cell phone without a plan.

    T-Mobile To Go Prepaid Phone 

    There was an error connecting to the Amazon web service. Please try again. Sorry, there are no results available from Amazon.

    Tracfone: Prepaid Cell Phone 

    Verizon INpulse 

    Inpulse Verizon Audiovox Cdm8615 Cell Phone

    Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009) Buy Now

    Virgin Mobile: Prepaid Cell Phone 

    Virgin Mobile Arc (Prepaid) Red

    Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009) Buy Now

    Virgin Mobile Cyclops Cell Phone

    Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009) Buy Now

    Cell Phones Without a Plan: Did you find what you wanted? Let us know! 

    If you decide cell phone plans with a free phone are more your style, be sure to visit our cellular and home electronics store.

    bbug wrote...

    It is nice that there are options for those who do not want a long conract. Thanks for the information.

    ReplyPosted August 30, 2008

    Spook wrote...

    The technology today is truly amazing, never knew so many great phones existed. Thanks

    ReplyPosted August 30, 2008

     

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    by mulberry

    Free cell phones with a plan are great but sometimes cell phones without a plan suit you better. Find out about your options and shop here. (more)

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