
Best Phone Plans with Free Phones: How to Get a Smartphone at No Cost
Phone plans with free phones are an excellent way to upgrade your device without paying the full retail price. These deals are often tied to postpaid or prepaid plans, trade-in requirements, or multi-line discounts. While the upfront cost may be minimal, it’s essential to read the fine print to understand the long-term commitments and potential fees. How Do Free Phone Offers Work? Most carriers provide free smartphones as part of promotional deals, which typically require one or more of the following: Signing up for a specific plan, often with a higher monthly fee. Trading in an eligible device in good condition. Committing to a contract, usually for 24 or 36 months. Adding a new line or switching from another carrier. These offers are designed to attract new customers or retain existing ones. While the phone itself may be free, the cost is often recouped through the plan’s monthly fees. Therefore, it’s crucial to calculate the total cost over the contract period to determine if the deal is truly beneficial. Top Carriers Offering Free Phones in 2025 Here are some of the leading carriers in the US currently offering phone plans with free phones: Carrier Free Phone Offer Plan Requirement Trade-In Required Contract Length AT&T iPhone 15 Unlimited Premium Plan Yes 36 months T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S24 Magenta MAX No 24 months Verizon Google Pixel 8 Unlimited Ultimate Yes 36 months Mint Mobile Motorola Moto G Power 12-month plan No 12 months Cricket Wireless iPhone SE Unlimited + 15GB Hotspot No 24 months Eligibility and Requirements To qualify for a free phone offer, you must meet certain criteria, which vary by carrier.