How to Buy Unlocked Phones, and Why You Should Definitely Consider This

An unlocked phone is a phone that isn’t tied to a specific cell phone carrier.

An unlocked phone gives the user the flexibility to change carriers at will. Neirfy/Shutterstock

There was a time when getting a new cellphone felt like signing a mortgage—except with worse terms. You would walk into a carrier store, pick out a shiny new phone, and they would practically hand it over “for free”—as long as you promised to stick around for two years and not ask too many questions.

These days, you have options—big ones. And the best-kept secret in mobile phones? Unlocked phones.