Holiday 2023: BOGO deals and $800 trade-in credits everywhere. The holiday season is prime time for phone deals, but it's also prime time for carrier tricks. Before you get swept up in the excitement of a "free phone" offer, here's what you need to know.
Most "free phone" deals from Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile require you to trade in a qualifying device AND stay on a premium unlimited plan for 24–36 months. When you do the math, you're often paying $40–$60 more per month than you would on an MVNO. Over 36 months, that's $1,440–$2,160 extra — far more than the phone is worth.
The smarter play: buy an unlocked phone (or use a trade-in toward an outright purchase) and switch to an MVNO. Here are the real deals worth considering this holiday season:
Mint Mobile's holiday promo: Often drops to $15/mo for the first 3 months. Lock in a year at the promo rate and you're set for a great 2024.
Visible's holiday deal: Frequently offers $5/mo for the first month. Try it risk-free.
US Mobile's family deals: Multi-line discounts that genuinely save money without contract traps.
This holiday season, the best phone deal might not be the flashiest one. It's the one that keeps saving you money every single month for years to come.