Prepaid Phones

With prepaid cell phones, also known as pay as you go phones or no-contract phones, you pay for a specific amount of data usage/minutes in advance. When you hit the limit you’ve paid for, your service ends until you choose to buy more. Plus, the prepaid option is often available with newer phone models, with newer features, from a wide range of manufacturers including Apple, Samsung, LG, HTC, Nokia and more.

A prepaid phone eliminates the hassle of long-term contracts, activation fees, overage charges, costly fees for changing carrier and termination fees. It also gives you the freedom to change phones and carriers when you feel like it, while also helping control phone budgets. Often a prepaid phone makes a good cell phone for seniors who only use a mobile phone occasionally, or want to keep one around for emergencies.

Of course, the answer to that question is that, since there are several good prepaid cell phone choices available, the best prepaid phone option depends on your preferences. Popular picks include AT&T GoPhone, Cricket Wireless phones, Tracfone phones, Verizon Prepaid phones, HTC phones and more. For more information on prepaid phones, or on phones with plans, no-contract cell phones, unlocked phones, or cell phone carriers, take a look at our Cell Phone Buying Guide.