Expert advice on purchasing the best unlocked device for your free cellular plan.
While the free phone provided by the government is great for essentials, many users prefer to buy their own unlocked smartphone with better cameras and faster processors. Our buying guides analyze the best value devices on the market that are guaranteed to be fully compatible with Lifeline MVNOs.
Our top recommendation for budget-conscious consumers is to buy certified refurbished flagship phones from two or three years ago (like the Galaxy S21 or iPhone 12) rather than buying a brand-new, ultra-cheap budget phone today. The build quality and software support will last much longer.
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