Best Prepaid Phone 2026: Top Picks for No-Contract Plans
Prepaid plan customers (Mint Mobile, Visible, Cricket, Metro) need an unlocked phone that works on the underlying carrier's network. All major flagships sold direct from Apple, Samsung, and Google work on prepaid plans. Here are the best picks.
Updated · 4 picks · Rankings reflect MKBHD Smartphone Awards outcomes.
How we picked
Unlocked phones currently sold direct from manufacturer that work on all major US prepaid carriers. Award context from MKBHD's recent awards.
- #1
Won Best Small Phone at MKBHD's 2024 Smartphone Awards. Now $599–$699 unlocked from Apple direct — works on every US prepaid carrier including Mint, Visible, Cricket, and Metro.
Pros
- MKBHD's 2024 Best Small Phone
- Now $599–$699 unlocked
- Works on every prepaid carrier
Cons
- 60Hz display
- No telephoto
- #2
Runner-up Best Value at MKBHD's 2024 awards. $499 unlocked from Google Store — seven years of OS updates and full prepaid carrier support.
Pros
- Runner-up Best Value 2024
- Seven years of updates
- $499 unlocked
Cons
- Plastic frame
- Tensor G3 not fast
- #3
MKBHD's 2023 Best Value winner. Now $249–$299 unlocked. Strongest sub-$300 prepaid pick with IP67 water resistance and updates through 2027.
Pros
- MKBHD's 2023 Best Value winner
- $249–$299 unlocked
- IP67 water resistance
Cons
- Slow Exynos chipset
- Updates only through 2027
- #4
Now $499 refurbished. USB-C, 5+ years of iOS support — but does NOT support Apple Intelligence. Cheapest current-design iPhone for prepaid users.
Pros
- Cheapest USB-C iPhone
- Five+ years of iOS support
Cons
- No Apple Intelligence
- 60Hz display
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best prepaid phone in 2026?
iPhone 16 at $599–$699 (MKBHD's 2024 Best Small Phone) for iOS users; Pixel 8a at $499 (runner-up Best Value 2024) for Android. Both are unlocked and work on every US prepaid carrier.
Will an unlocked phone work on Mint Mobile, Visible, or Cricket?
Yes for all major flagships sold direct from Apple, Samsung, and Google. These prepaid carriers run on the major networks (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T) and accept unlocked phones.
Is it worth buying a phone outright for prepaid?
Yes — prepaid plan savings ($30–$50/month vs $80–$100 on postpaid) typically pay for the phone within 18 months.
About this list
We index every phone that won or placed in MKBHD's annual Smartphone Awards (2014–2025) and surface the strongest matches for this category. Award badges link to the full award history. We earn a commission on purchases via our retailer links — at no extra cost to you.