Something strange is happening in the US, where wireless carriers once sold dramatically different phones, and buying an unlocked handset through a store that wasn't your carrier was a risky proposition best left for the gadget-savvy. Now, two-year contracts are practically a thing of the past, most-wanted phones appear on all major networks, and phone-makers are beginning to succeed in. Unlocked phones are on the rise. Simply buy a SIM card, stick it in your device, and you're good to go. There's no need to wait for activation, and best yet, you can keep your phone around for as long or as short a time as you'd like without paying any surprise fees. Here are some of our favorite handsets that you can purchase and use wherever you go -- even all around the globe -- carrier-free. (You can use them on any compatible network; in the US, that's mostly AT&T and T-Mobile, though Motorola phones will also work with Verizon and Sprint's network technologies.).

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Editors' note: This piece was originally published June 12, 2012 and updates regularly. The Motorola Moto G is a great-value budget phone.

In fact, it's one of the best, contract or no. Sarah Tew/CNET (late 2015 edition) Motorola continues to crank out Goldilocks phones whose look and feel manage to lure us in, even when the specs are ho-hum. For $220, you get a comfortable, 5-inch display with a decent camera and 16GB of storage, plus, you can swap backplates to add your own flair. There's an even cheaper model with half the storage and RAM for $180, but in our opinion, this is the one worth getting. (We're also looking forward to the higher-caliber, but that isn't out yet at the time of this story.) Read CNET's full. On the Idol 3, either way is 'up'. Josh MIller/CNET For $250, Alcatel's Idol 3 is a high-value Android handset with a nice 13-megapixel camera, good speakers, and a large, high-resolution screen.

Alcatel's phone also has an unusual feature: its software flips 'up' no matter how you hold it.. You can buy four backings if 'sandstone' doesn't do it for you. Josh Miller/CNET The sequel to last year's OnePlus One improves the phone's design, hardware and software. It gains a metal (rather than plastic) rim, a sliding switch to manage notifications, and specs that include a 5.5-inch display and a respectable 13-megapixel camera that takes nice shots.

It costs $390 for the 64Gb version and there are four alternate backings you can buy, such as in Kevlar or wood, if the default 'sandstone' isn't your thing.. This is our favorite ZTE phone yet. Josh Miller/CNET ZTE's high-end Axon Pro is a competitively-priced flagship worthy of the name. Its $500 price tag brings with it an ultracrisp 2,560 x 1,440-pixel resolution on a 5.5-inch screen, and its polished body comes in three colors: blue, silver and gold.

The phone's capable 13-megapixel camera and hardware performance make it a truly excellent unlocked handset.. This is a likable $250 device. CNET It's got a pretty, lightweight design with a 5-inch screen and all the Android software fixings. This $250 phone gives others in the budget category a run for their money. While specs aren't as high as on Alcatel's phone, for instance, the P8 Lite still satisfies casual users. Read the full.

Sascha Segan The Best Unlocked Phones of 2018 Tired of the restrictive carrier payment plans that come with new cell phones? Check out the 10 best unlocked phones we've tested. Wireless Freedom In many ways, nothing beats the freedom of unlocked.

They work with any AT&T or T-Mobile SIM card, even with no data plan, and an increasing number work on Sprint and Verizon, as well. You can pop in a local, pay-as-you-go card overseas and never pay horrendous international roaming charges. And you don't have to deal with carrier-installed bloatware.

If you're looking for an unlocked handset, look no further than our top-rated choices here. But first, consider why you may want to go the unlocked route in the first place. Benefits and Drawbacks. Tired of your handset, or want to own a few and switch between them?

With an unlocked device, you can trade up or sell your phone whenever you want, without waiting for the end of a leasing or equipment installment plan—because you're not in one. You can own multiple handsets and swap your SIM card between them. You can also take advantage of from virtual operators piggybacking on compatible networks. If you're buying an iPhone, choosing the unlocked model is a way to get the over the Intel version sold by AT&T and T-Mobile. As our lab tests show, the Qualcomm model gets better LTE speeds in low signal conditions.

At the same time, there are a few downsides to going the unlocked route. If you change SIM cards overseas, you won't have your US phone number while you're there.

Some unlocked handsets only work on AT&T and T-Mobile, not Sprint or Verizon. On the list above, all the phones except the OnePlus 5T and Snapfon work on all four major US carriers. Where and What to Buy Shopping for an unlocked handset can be a bit tricky, since carrier stores don't stock them. If you're looking for one, the Apple Store, Amazon, Best Buy Mobile, and manufacturers' online stores are good bets. In some cases, you can even unlock the phone you already own, although the particulars depend on the handset and carrier.

Our most recent Editors' Choice winners for unlocked devices in each major price category include the iPhone 8 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S8 at the high end; the Motorola Moto G5 Plus in the midrange; and the Motorola Moto E4 for an inexpensive option. The S8 has a terrific camera, an amazing screen, a one-handed form factor, and excellent radio reception. The G5 Plus is a $300 phone that feels like a $500 phone, thanks to its sleek metal build and smooth performance. The E4 brings plenty of current features, such as a fingerprint scanner, dual-band Wi-Fi, and a recent version of Android, for a low price —under $100, if you have Amazon Prime. All three work on all the major US carriers.

Ready to break free? Pick up one of these handsets and don't feel tied to your carrier any longer. If you're deciding on a carrier, see which one came out on top in our tests.