Cheapest Place to Buy an iPhone in 2026

iPhones are one of the most price-sensitive purchases people make. Knowing where to buy can save you $100-$400 on the same device.

Carrier Trade-In Deals

The single biggest discounts on iPhones come from carrier trade-in promotions. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile regularly offer $400-$800 off a new iPhone when you trade in an older model and sign up for a plan. These deals sound too good to be true but they're legitimate — the catch is you're committing to a 24-36 month plan.

If you're already on a carrier and planning to stay, these deals are almost always the cheapest way to get a new iPhone.

Apple Store

Buying direct from Apple gets you the full unlocked phone with no carrier commitment. Apple runs a refurbished store at apple.com/shop/refurbished with certified refurbished iPhones at meaningful discounts — typically $100-$200 off with a full one-year warranty.

Apple also accepts trade-ins directly, though carriers typically offer more trade-in credit.

Best Buy

Best Buy is one of the best places to buy an iPhone without a carrier deal. They frequently offer gift cards worth $50-$100 with iPhone purchases, and their price match policy means you can get the lowest price guaranteed. They also carry unlocked models.

Walmart

Walmart carries iPhones at competitive prices, particularly on older models. Their trade-in and carrier activation deals can match or beat Apple Store pricing.

Amazon

Amazon sells unlocked iPhones and frequently has small discounts on older models. Check that you're buying from Amazon directly rather than a third-party seller for warranty protection.

Refurbished iPhones

Back Market is the most reputable source for refurbished iPhones outside of Apple. Their grading system is transparent and they offer warranties. A refurbished iPhone 15 can be $150-$250 cheaper than new.

When to Buy

iPhone prices drop predictably when new models launch in September. The previous generation drops $100 at Apple and third-party retailers drop further. Use CheapestFinder to compare current iPhone prices across all retailers.