Every year, I test a dozen or more devices to find the best cheap phones that perform where it counts and aren’t annoyingly slow. Check out our many other mobile guides, including Best Android Phones, Best Samsung Phones, Best Phones With a Headphone Jack, Best Google Pixel, Best Moto Phones, and Best iPhones. Also, make sure the listing says the phone is being sold “unlocked.” In this guide, we’ve listed whether a phone works with a major US carrier. Best Cheap Phone OverallThe Google Pixel 9a (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the best smartphone you can buy for the money. The top reason why I heartily recommend Pixel phones is because of the smart software features you won't find on many other sub-$500 smartphones.