Buying a new phone can be overwhelming, with countless retailers offering different prices, payment plans, and trade-in options. The best places to buy a phone should make the process simple, offering affordable pricing, a broad selection, quality assurance, and excellent customer service.
Whether you’re looking for a brand-new flagship smartphone, a budget-friendly device, or a used phone at a bargain price, there’s a retailer that fits your needs. Below, we break down the best places to buy a smartphone based on key factors like affordability, selection, and service quality.
The Best Places to Buy a Smartphone
| Category | Best Retailer | Why It’s the Best |
|---|---|---|
| Best for In-Person Pickup | Best Buy | Fast online orders with same-day store pickup, strong customer service |
| Best for Budget Shoppers | Amazon | Frequent discounts, great for unlocked and budget phones |
| Best for Variety | Walmart | Mix of budget and flagship phones at competitive prices |
| Best for iPhones | Apple Store | Best selection of iPhones, seamless customer service |
| Best for Used Phones | Gazelle | Certified pre-owned smartphones at discounted prices |
| Best for Trade-Ins | Major Carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) | Trade-in programs to offset the cost of new devices |
| Best for Prepaid Phones | Prepaid Wireless Stores (Boost Mobile, Cricket, Metro by T-Mobile) | Affordable prepaid plans with no contracts |
1. Best for In-Person Pickup: Best Buy
🛍 Where to Buy: Best Buy Official Site
Pros:
✔ Pickup in-store or have it shipped
✔ Buy a phone with a carrier plan
✔ Easily compare multiple phone specs
Cons:
❌ Limited filter options for RAM
Best Buy is a great option if you prefer to buy a phone in person or want to pick up an online order the same day. The store stocks flagship smartphones, budget-friendly options, and even unlocked models, making it one of the most convenient places to shop.
It also partners with major US carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile), allowing you to buy a new phone with a service plan without visiting a carrier store.
2. Best for Budget Shoppers: Amazon
🛍 Where to Buy: Amazon Smartphones
Pros:
✔ Competitive pricing and discounts
✔ Great selection of unlocked phones
✔ Free and fast shipping for Prime members
Cons:
❌ Hard to compare multiple phones at once
Amazon is an excellent option for budget-conscious shoppers looking for deals on both brand-new and unlocked smartphones. It’s easy to filter searches based on price, brand, and features, making it one of the best places to find affordable smartphones.
However, Amazon may not always have the latest flagship models on launch day, so if you want the newest iPhone or Samsung Galaxy, you might have to wait a bit.
3. Best for Variety: Walmart
🛍 Where to Buy: Walmart Smartphones
Pros:
✔ Affordable selection of prepaid and flagship phones
✔ Buy online or in-store
✔ Offers slight discounts on some new models
Cons:
❌ Limited sorting options for customer ratings
Walmart offers a balance between budget-friendly and high-end smartphones. You can find low-cost prepaid phones, flagship iPhones, and Android devices, often at competitive prices. The ability to shop online or in-store makes Walmart a convenient option for many buyers.
Since Walmart is a major retailer, it also has the leverage to offer slight discounts on some phones compared to other stores.
4. Best for iPhones: Apple Store
🛍 Where to Buy: Apple Store
Pros:
✔ Best selection of iPhones
✔ Knowledgeable staff for assistance
✔ Full support for AppleCare+ and warranty services
Cons:
❌ Limited to iPhones (no Android options)
If you’re an iPhone user, there’s no better place to buy than directly from Apple. The Apple Store offers the best customer experience, allowing you to buy unlocked iPhones, trade in old devices, and set up AppleCare+ for protection.
Additionally, Apple stores typically have the largest inventory on launch day, ensuring you can get your preferred iPhone model without long delays.
5. Best for Used Phones: Gazelle
🛍 Where to Buy: Gazelle Official Site
Pros:
✔ Huge selection of certified pre-owned smartphones
✔ Lower prices compared to buying new
✔ Rental options available for iPhones
Cons:
❌ No in-person shopping
If you’re looking for a great deal on a pre-owned smartphone, Gazelle is one of the most trusted online platforms. Gazelle tests and certifies used phones, ensuring they are in good working condition before selling them at discounted prices.
It’s a cost-effective option if you don’t want to pay full price for a brand-new smartphone.
6. Best for Trade-Ins: Major Carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile)
🛍 Where to Buy:
Pros:
✔ Trade in your old phone for credit
✔ Payment plan options available
✔ In-store and online shopping options
Cons:
❌ Deals are usually tied to carrier contracts
If you’re looking to trade in your old phone for credit, major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile offer some of the best trade-in deals. You can offset the cost of a new phone by trading in your existing device, which can be useful when upgrading to the latest model.
Carriers also offer monthly payment plans, making it easier to afford expensive smartphones. However, you might have to stick with the carrier for a specific period to benefit from some deals.
7. Best for Prepaid Phones: Prepaid Wireless Stores (Boost Mobile, Cricket, Metro by T-Mobile)
🛍 Where to Buy:
Pros:
✔ No long-term contracts
✔ Affordable phone selection
✔ Frequent promotions and discounts
Cons:
❌ Limited flagship phone availability
If you prefer a no-contract phone plan, prepaid wireless carriers like Boost Mobile, Cricket Wireless, and Metro by T-Mobile offer affordable phones and budget-friendly plans.
Prepaid carriers often have lower prices on monthly plans, but their phone selection may not be as extensive as major carriers like Verizon and AT&T.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
1. What is the best place to buy an unlocked phone?
Amazon is one of the best places to buy unlocked smartphones, as it offers a variety of models from different brands at competitive prices.
2. Where can I buy a used smartphone?
For used smartphones, platforms like Gazelle, Swappa, and eBay offer great deals on certified pre-owned devices.
3. What is the best place for iPhone trade-ins?
Apple, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile all offer competitive trade-in programs that let you exchange your old iPhone for credit toward a new one.
Final Thoughts: Where Should You Buy Your Next Phone?
The best place to buy a smartphone depends on your budget, brand preference, and whether you need financing or trade-in options.
- Want a new flagship phone? → Best Buy, Apple, or major carriers
- Looking for a budget-friendly phone? → Amazon or Walmart
- Need a used phone at a discount? → Gazelle
- Prefer a prepaid phone? → Boost Mobile, Cricket Wireless, Metro by T-Mobile
By choosing the right retailer, you can save money, find the perfect device, and enjoy a hassle-free shopping experience.
