Martin Lewis
MoneySavingExpert Founder, Martin Lewis · Editor-in-Chief, Marcus Herbert Chair, Martin Lewis · Editor, Marcus Herbert
MSE Home Cheap Mobile Finder No Upfront Cost

No Upfront Cost

With these deals, you can get the latest handset without having to pay anything upfront, but over the life of the contract, they aren't always the cheapest.

MSE Home Cheap Mobile Finder I need a new phone but need help choosing

I want a new phone
but need help choosing

If you're not set on a certain phone, we'll help match you with the top model for you and find the best deal.
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First, tell us what you're after

Find the right phone on my budgetTell us how much you can afford to spend and we'll find the best options within that price range.
Find the right phone for my needsHere we'll work out your phone requirements and will find you the cheapest handset and the best deal that fulfils those requirements.

1. Are you happy to take out a contract?

Yes, I want the full package with data, mins and texts
No, I just want to buy the phone outright

2. What's the max you're willing to pay each month?

Up to £20
Up to £30
Up to £40
Up to £50
Up to £60
No limit

3. What's the max you're willing to pay upfront?

Up to £50
Up to £100
Up to £150
Up to £200
Up to £250
Up to £300
Up to £500
Up to £600
Up to £800

4. Do you know how much data you need?

According to Ofcom, the average person uses around 5-6GB/month of data. If you're not sure, our Data Calculator can analyse your use.
Any data
3GB +
5GB +
15GB +
100GB +
Unlimited
Show more options
Show fewer options
500MB +
1GB +
2GB +
4GB +
6GB +
7GB +
8GB +
10GB +
20GB +
30GB +
50GB +
120GB +

5. Do you want a specific type of phone?

Any is fine
Apple
Samsung
Any Android

6. Do you want to include refurbished phones?

Refurbs work normally and are usually cheap. Most have hardly been used as they're customer returns or phones that have been sent back due to minor defects that are fixed. They also usually come with one-year warranties. More info
Yes, show me refurbs as well as brand new phones
No, just show me brand new phones
OK, find me a phone
You'll be able to refine your results once you go through using the filters.

2. What's the max you're willing to pay?

Up to £50
Up to £100
Up to £150
Up to £200
Up to £250
Up to £300
Up to £500
Up to £600
Up to £800

3. Do you want a specific type of phone?

Any is fine
Apple
Samsung
Any Android

4. Do you want to include refurbished phones?

Refurbs work normally and are usually cheap. Most have hardly been used as they're customer returns or phones that have been sent back due to minor defects that are fixed. They also usually come with one-year warranties. More info
Yes, show me refurbs as well as brand new phones
No, just show me brand new phones
OK, find me a phone
You'll be able to refine your results once you go through using the filters.

3. What will you mainly use your phone for?

Calls and texts
Calls, texts, sending emails and I may take the odd photo
I'll do most things on my phone, including social media, taking photos and streaming TV and movies

4. What will you use the camera on your phone for?

I won't use it
I just want to take the odd photo
I'll take lots of photos and the odd video
I want to take professional quality photos and videos

5. Do you need the most recent phone?

No, any phone will do
Yes, released in the last year
Yes, released in the last two years

6. Do you want to include refurbished phones?

Refurbs work normally and are usually cheap. Most have hardly been used as they're customer returns or phones that have been sent back due to minor defects that are fixed. They also usually come with one-year warranties. More info
Yes, show me refurbs as well as brand new phones
No, just show me brand new phones
OK, find me a phone
You'll be able to refine your results once you go through using the filters.

1. Are you happy to take out a contract?

Yes, I want the full package with data, mins and texts
No, I just want to buy the phone outright

2. Do you want a specific type of phone?

Any is fine
Apple
Samsung
Any Android

3. What will you mainly use your phone for?

Calls and texts
Calls, texts, sending emails and I may take the odd photo
I'll do most things on my phone, including social media, taking photos and streaming TV and movies

4. What will you use the camera on your phone for?

I won't use it
I just want to take the odd photo
I'll take lots of photos and the odd video
I want to take professional quality photos and videos

5. Do you need the most recent phone?

No, any phone will do
Yes, released in the last year
Yes, released in the last two years

6. Do you want to include refurbished phones?

Refurbs work normally and are usually cheap. Most have hardly been used as they're customer returns or phones that have been sent back due to minor defects that are fixed. They also usually come with one-year warranties, and we only include phones with the highest condition rating. More info
Yes, show me refurbs as well as brand new phones
No, just show me brand new phones
OK, find me a phone
You'll be able to refine your results once you go through using the filters.

We've worked hard on this Cheap Mobile Finder tool and we hope you find it's simple and intuitive to use.

We aim to continue to add more bells & whistles to it. So do please send feedback, suggestions & bug reports.

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What are no upfront cost phone contracts?

When you buy a brand new phone bundled with data and calls, you may have to pay a lump sum upfront towards the cost of the phone, and then a lower monthly cost for the remainder of the contract. Some contracts don't ask for this upfront lump sum, so instead the cost of the phone is spread equally over the duration of the contract.

Is it cheapest to get a phone contract with no upfront cost?

No not really, because what you save in upfront cost, you pay in higher monthly payments.

Why consider choosing a phone contract with no upfront cost?

The newest phones often come with a hefty price tag, so you'll usually be expected to pay up to £200 before your monthly payments even start. The problem is, not everyone has a spare £200 lying around. Hence why you might consider a phone contract with no deposit upfront, meaning you can spread the cost of the phone over the duration of your contract.