These "unlocked," network-neutral phones also make it easier to travel internationally. The smartphones below, which are arranged alphabetically, all did well in our ratings. Some of them have been on ...

What's the SIM unlock policy for Verizon, T-Mobile or AT&T? These are each carrier's current device unlock policy as of 2026.

Verizon began updating device unlock policies for its various prepaid brands shortly after the FCC gave it a waiver that ...

Have you ever gotten a new phone only to find out it’s locked to a specific carrier? This often happens when you purchase a subsidized phone from a carrier. The carrier locks the phone so you can’t ...

Wondering what GSM Unlocked means? This short article will make it clear for you so read on. What does GSM unlocked mean? GSM stands for Global System for Mobile communications. It is one of the two ...

If you're buying a new phone, consider the advantages of an unlocked phone against those of one on a contract. As Managing Editor, I lead CNET's mobile team, covering news and reviews on smartphones, ...

You might be ready to leave T-Mobile and its Magenta network in your rearview mirror. However, that doesn’t mean you have to give up the phone you bought from the carrier. In fact, it might save you a ...

Switching to a new cell phone service provider can save you hundreds of dollars per year—and there’s no need to ditch your current phone to do so. To make the move, though, you may have to first ...

In this edition of Ask Maggie, CNET's Marguerite Reardon breaks down what you need to know about the carrier practice of locking phones. Marguerite Reardon started as a CNET News reporter in 2004, ...