The Best Cheap Phones

Looking for a great phone without spending a fortune? You do not need to spend $1,000 or more to get a reliable, capable smartphone. In 2026, some of the best budget phones offer flagship-level features at a fraction of the price.

Best Cheap Phones In 2026

These picks cover a range of budgets and priorities, from the best under-$200 options to solid mid-range phones under $300. All are available unlocked or through major carriers.

Google Pixel 9a — Best Budget Android Overall

The Pixel 9a is the best budget phone for most people. At around $499, it delivers Google's exceptional camera software, seven years of Android updates, and a clean software experience. If the Pixel 9a is within your budget, it is hard to beat for long-term value. For something more affordable, the Samsung Galaxy A26 (starting around $200) offers a 50MP camera, a 5,000 mAh battery, six years of Android updates, and runs Android 16. It is one of the best phones under $250 available today.

Samsung Galaxy A56 — Best Screen Under $300

The Galaxy A56 features a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display at 120Hz with peak brightness of 1,800 nits — better than many flagship phones from 2022. It lands in the $300 range and includes Samsung's multi-year update commitment.

Motorola Edge 50 Neo — Best Battery Life Under $300

With a 5,100 mAh battery that routinely delivers two days of use, the Motorola Edge 50 Neo is the pick for anyone who hates running out of charge. It also ships with 256GB of storage at around $249.

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G — Best Under $200

The Galaxy A16 5G is the most affordable phone on this list at around $199. It includes a Super AMOLED display, six years of OS updates, IP water resistance, and a 50MP main camera — remarkable at this price point.

iPhone 17e — Best Budget iPhone

If you want an iPhone at a lower price, the iPhone 17e (starting at $599) is Apple's current entry-level new iPhone. It includes 5G, Apple Intelligence, and the latest Apple chip. At $599 it is not a “cheap” phone in the traditional sense, but it is the most affordable way to get a brand-new iPhone in 2026.

How To Find The Best Deal On A Budget Phone

The best approach is to buy your phone unlocked — this lets you take it to any carrier and switch whenever you want without paying a penalty. Many MVNOs like Visible, Mint Mobile, and US Mobile offer excellent plans starting around $15–$25 per month, which means a $200 phone plus a cheap plan can cost you far less per year than a carrier installment plan on a $1,000 flagship.

Check pricing at your carrier before buying, as deals and trade-in promotions change regularly. Visit our phone comparison tool to compare specs side by side, and our plan comparison tool to find the cheapest plan that works on your phone.

Last verified: April 2026. Prices and availability may change — verify at retailer before purchasing.