10 Best Verizon Compatible Unlocked Cell Phones

Did you know that in the past, your carrier would significantly influence the phone you’d buy? During the iPhone’s first years, for example, you wouldn’t get any of Apple’s devices without being an AT&T customer. Also, the flagship Motorola Droid was Verizon-exclusive. But today, you can use any modern handset to access amazing offers from your network of choice, including Verizon Wireless deals. Unless you have an old model CDMA phone, in which case you’ll have to pick one of the best Verizon compatible unlocked phones. These are handsets that don’t belong to any cellular carrier.

Now, there’s a dilemma that makes upgrading to the latest CDMA/LTE phones very difficult. It is especially challenging for existing Verizon customers on grandfathered unlimited data plans. You can’t get a new subsidized handset from Verizon through installment plans. If you were to get a subsidized cellphone, it would force you into a newer, probably costlier, monthly plan. We’re talking about Verizon’s original unlimited deals, not the current multi-tier unlimited plans with caveats and catches. But you can maintain that old-version unlimited data deal with unlocked phones that work on Verizon. Besides, these universal handsets make it easy for you to access the BYOP Verizon program.

Have you heard of BYOP programs before? Well, it lets you switch to Verizon with your existing smartphone for a $250 reward. But, you’ll need a compatible phone to join the Verizon bring your own phone platform. Usually, this wouldn’t be a problem. You’d only need to swap SIM cards to switch carriers, especially between GSM operators like AT&T and T-Mobile. But CDMA operators like Sprint and Verizon run on different bands than GSM networks. And while you could insert a Verizon prepaid sim card in any unlocked handset for basic cellular services, you’d struggle to receive signal based on your location. It’s the reason you must read our list of the ten best Verizon compatible unlocked phones in 2021.

Verizon Compatible Unlocked Phones

Verizon’s CDMA network makes it tough to find an unlocked phone. There are many options if you want to upgrade to Verizon compatible unlocked phones. You could start with Verizon Wireless free government phones. In this case, you must qualify for Lifeline discount programs. Go to the FCC’s Lifeline Assistance official website to learn more about the program’s minimum requirements. There’s an alternative if you can’t find a preferred smartphone through that program. Consider getting one of these no-contract Verizon prepaid phones.

However, today, we’ll be highlighting the latest Verizon-compatible unlocked cell phone deals. We’ve taken time to compile an all-inclusive list of factory-unlocked phones and renewed certified models, including some senior-friendly handsets. But before we show you the list, let’s first see what unlocked phones are and how to use them with the Verizon Wireless network.

Verizon Compatible Unlocked Phones

What is Verizon Compatible Unlocked Phones?

An unlocked cellphone is a handset without a network operator. It means the phone won’t work. Mobile phones can’t perform their functions like making and receiving calls, surfing the internet, or texting without a provider. Nevertheless, an unlocked phone can work with any cellular carrier, including Verizon Wireless.

How’s The Hardware of Verizon Compatible Unlocked Phones?

For the Verizon compatible unlocked phones to begin functioning with Verizon, they’ll need a kind of hardware known as a SIM card. It means you have to get a Verizon prepaid sim card, which is a network chip and memory card that’s unique to each operator. So, you must contact Verizon support and provide the make and model of your unlocked phone for a matching SIM card.

How Will Verizon Identify Your Unlocked Phone?

Keep in mind that your unlocked phone won’t work on Verizon or other networks if you don’t have its identification code. The ID code or IMEI code will identify the individual handset, similar to a license plate on a vehicle. You cannot find this code on the phone if you bought it as a carrier-subsidized device. Instead, you’ll have to request it from the original network provider through their customer service.

Identification Process for Verizon Compatible Unlocked Phones

Once you receive a SIM card from Verizon, replace the original SIM in your phone with Verizon’s. Most handsets have the SIM card underneath or near the battery. Slide off the protective casing, and look for a slot near or below the battery. Some modern models have a SIM slot at the side of the phone above or below the volume key buttons. It will have a chip in it, which is the SIM card to replace. That’s how the Verizon bring your own phone program works.

Network Authorization for Verizon compatible unlocked phones

After replacing the SIM card, power on the phone. It will detect a new SIM and ask you to enter the IMEI code. Key in the code through your dial pad on your cellphone. After that, Verizon compatible unlocked phones will begin to run on Verizon’s network as its service provider.

What You Should Remember With Verizon Compatible Unlocked Phones

You must be careful when buying Verizon compatible unlocked phones. Some phones don’t work with other networks. For example, some iPhones are exclusive to the AT&T network. In other cases, bringing a phone to a new provider might affect some functions. While the cellphone will work, differences in data packages among several providers will impact how the phone works. So, we recommend that you contact Verizon to see how the unlocked phone will perform before activating it Verizon’s network. Also, you can navigate to Verizon’s website for corresponding unlocked cell phone deals. In doing so, you’ll be sure of seamless Verizon services.

Ordinarily, handsets sold exclusively by T-Mobile and AT&T will only work on the GSM network. On the other hand, phones purchased from Verizon and Sprint will work on both GSM and CDMA platforms. It’s vital to note that CDMA and GSM are specific to 3G network coverage. Therefore, if you want maximum flexibility, purchasing unlocked phones that work on Verizon or Sprint is the way to go. Alternatively, get a factory unlocked handset straight from a manufacturer Samsung, Motorola, or Google, among others.

Top 10 Best Verizon Compatible Unlocked Phones

Are you wondering whether you can join the Verizon network without getting one of its subsidized handsets? We’ll show you how to bring the right phone and let Verizon Wireless supply the plan. Here are the ten best Verizon compatible unlocked phones for switching through the BYOD program.

1. Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G Android Cell Phone US Version

You can enjoy the best of Verizon’s services through this new, factory unlocked Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra smartphone. The phone comes with Galaxy Buds plus Duo Pad, all for free. Take it to Verizon and get $250. This Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G is the 128GB version with a 12-Gig RAM, 6.9-inch screen, a 108-MP rear-facing camera, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor, a 40-MP selfie camera, and a 5,000 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery.

Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G Android Cell Phone US Version
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Other Features

  • Fingerprint sensor
  • Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0
  • Full Wi-Fi compatibility
  • Reverse wireless charging technology
  • Bluetooth 5.0 technology
  • Water and Dust IP 68 certification
  • Qi and Powermat wireless charging
  • Facial recognition
  • Samsung Adaptive Fast Charging
  • Android 10 plus Samsung One UI operating systems
PROS
  • Available in US warranty
  • 5G enabled
  • Up to 512-Gig expandable storage
  • Decent battery with up to 37 hours talk-time
CONS
  • On the pricey side

2. Motorola One Action Unlocked Smartphone

Start enjoying the most robust cellular services with Verizon Wireless through this Motorola One Action global version smartphone. Take it to Verizon and get $250. This One Action is the 128GB version with a 4-Gig RAM, 6.3-inch screen, a 16-MP rear-facing camera, a Samsung Exynos 9609 processor, a 12-MP selfie camera, and a 3,000 mAh Li-Ion battery.

 Motorola One Action Unlocked Smartphone
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Other Features

  • Fingerprint sensor
  • Rapid charging technology
  • Full Wi-Fi compatibility
  • Bluetooth 5.0 technology
  • Motorola TurboPower charging system
  • Water and Dust IP 68 certification
  • Facial recognition
  • Android 10 operating system
PROS
  • Comes with a US warranty
  • Up to 1,000-Gig expandable storage
  • Works with any carrier
  • Decent battery with all-day usage on a single charge
CONS
  • Plastic back

3. Samsung Galaxy S9 G960U Verizon Phone

Claim this renewed; GSM unlocked Samsung Galaxy S9 Verizon handset to start accessing the best plans from Verizon Wireless. Activate it on Verizon’s network and get $250. This S9 G960U is the 64GB version with a 4-Gig RAM, 5.8-inch screen, a 12-MP rear-facing camera, an Exynos 9 9810 processor, an 8-MP selfie camera, and a 3,000 mAh Li-Ion battery.

Samsung Galaxy S9 G960U Verizon Phone
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Other Features

  • Fingerprint sensor
  • Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0
  • Full Wi-Fi compatibility
  • Reverse wireless charging technology
  • Bluetooth 5.0 technology
  • Water and Dust IP 68 certification
  • Qi and Powermat wireless charging
  • Facial recognition
  • Samsung Adaptive Fast Charging
  • Android 10 plus Samsung One UI operating systems
PROS
  • Ninety-day Amazon renewed warranty
  • Up to 400-Gig expandable storage
  • Universal carrier compatibility
CONS
  • Renewed phone
  • Doesn’t come with earphones

4. Apple iPhone X Universal Version Smartphone

Get this renewed, global version Apple iPhone X smartphone to unlock Verizon’s BYOP program. Activate it for a $250 Verizon reward. This iPhone X is the 64GB version with a 3-Gig RAM, 5.9-inch screen, a 12-MP rear-facing camera, an Apple A11 Bionic processor, a 7-MP selfie camera, and a 2,716 mAh Li-Ion battery.

Apple iPhone X Universal Version Smartphone
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Other Features

  • Full Wi-Fi compatibility
  • Bluetooth 5.0 technology
  • Water and Dust IP 67 certification
  • Qi wireless charging
  • 3D facial recognition
  • iOS 13 operating system
PROS
  • Ninety-day renewed warranty by Amazon
  • Supports Wi-Fi calling
  • Universal carrier compatibility
  • iCloud backup support
CONS
  • Renewed phone
  • Non-expandable storage
  • Doesn’t come with earphones

5. Samsung Galaxy Note 9 N960U 128GB Verizon Smartphone

Don’t struggle to find Verizon compatible unlocked phones when you can update to the latest Mobile features with this renewed, GSM-unlocked Samsung Galaxy Note 9 Verizon handset. Also, you can earn $250 by activating it on the Verizon Wireless network. This Note 9 N960U is the 128GB version with a 6-Gig RAM, 6.4-inch screen, a 12-MP rear-facing camera, an Exynos 9810 processor, an 8-MP selfie camera, and a 4,000 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery.

Samsung Galaxy Note 9 N960U 128GB Verizon Smartphone
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Other Features

  • Fingerprint sensor
  • Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0
  • Full Wi-Fi compatibility
  • Reverse wireless charging technology
  • Bluetooth 5.0 technology
  • Water and Dust IP 68 certification
  • Qi and Powermat wireless charging
  • Facial recognition
  • Samsung Adaptive Fast Charging
  • Android 10 plus Samsung One UI operating systems
PROS
  • Ninety-day renewed warranty by Amazon
  • Desktop experience support
  • Up to 512-Gig expandable storage
  • Universal carrier compatibility
CONS
  • Renewed phone
  • Doesn’t come with earphones

6. Apple iPhone 7 Matte Black

Having the best of Verizon’s BYOP program offers begins with this renewed, unlocked GSM Apple iPhone 7 Matte Verizon phone. Activate it for a $250 Verizon reward. This iPhone 7 is the 32GB version with a 2-Gig RAM, 4.7-inch screen, a 12-MP rear-facing camera, an Apple A10 Fusion processor, a 7-MP selfie camera, and a 1,960 mAh Li-Ion battery.

Apple iPhone 7 Matte Black
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Other Features

  • Full Wi-Fi compatibility
  • Bluetooth 4.2 technology
  • Water and Dust IP 67 certification
  • Qi wireless charging
  • Facial recognition
  • iOS 10 operating system
PROS
  • Ninety-day renewed warranty from Amazon
  • Comes with iCloud backup
  • Scratchproof corning gorilla screen
  • Supports Wi-Fi calling
  • Universal carrier compatibility
  • Upgradable OS to iOS 13.3
CONS
  • Renewed phone
  • Generic accessories
  • Doesn’t come with earphones

7. Motorola Moto G7 Factory Unlocked Smartphone

The new Motorola Moto G7 unlocked phone lets you update to the latest mobile tech while getting the best wireless plan from Verizon. Take it to Verizon and get $250. This Moto G7 is the 64GB version with a 4-Gig RAM, 6.2-inch screen, a 12-MP rear-facing camera, a Snapdragon 632 processor, an 8-MP selfie camera, and a 3,000 mAh Li-Ion battery.

Motorola Moto G7 Factory Unlocked Smartphone
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Other Features

  • Fingerprint sensor
  • Rapid charging technology
  • Full Wi-Fi compatibility
  • Bluetooth 4.2 technology
  • Motorola TurboPower charging system
  • Water IP54 rating
  • 2D facial recognition
  • Android 9.0 Pie operating system
PROS
  • Provides a US warranty
  • Up to 512-Gig expandable storage
  • Works with any carrier
  • Scratch-resistant glass
  • Durable aluminum design
CONS
  • Average front-facing camera
  • Substandard battery performance

8. Kyocera DuraXV LTE Renewed Flip Phone

The renewed, Kyocera DuraXV LTE E4610 lets you unlock a new wireless experience through Verizon’s BYOP program offers.  Take this phone to Verizon Wireless and receive $250. This DuraXV LTE E4610 is the 16GB version with a 2-Gig RAM, 2.6-inch screen, a single 5-MP primary camera, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 processor, and a 1,530 mAh Li-Ion replaceable battery.

Kyocera DuraXV LTE Renewed Flip Phone
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Other Features

  • MIL-STD-810 rated
  • 4G LTE support
  • Voice dialing
  • Full Wi-Fi compatibility
  • Convenient external display
  • HD Voice support
  • Bluetooth 4.1 technology
  • Water, temperature, dust, vibration, & shock IP68 rating
  • Available in USB 2.0 and MicroUS
PROS
  • Supports Wi-Fi calling
  • Up to 1280 x 720 High-Definition video recording
  • Decent 64-Gig max expandable storage for a basic phone
  • Ninety-day renewed warranty by Amazon
  • Rugged, durable make
CONS
  • Thick design
  • Small display
  • Renewed phone

9. Motorola Moto G6 32GB Universal Version Phone

Upgrade your smartphone experience with this new, universal factory unlocked Motorola G6 handset. Take it to Verizon for a $250 reward. This Moto G6 is the 32GB version with a 3-Gig RAM, a 5.7-inch screen, a 12-MP rear-facing camera, a Snapdragon 450 processor, an 8-MP selfie camera, and a 3,000 mAh Li-Ion non-removable battery.

Motorola Moto G6 32GB Universal Version Phone
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Other Features

  • Fingerprint sensor
  • Rapid charging technology
  • Full Wi-Fi compatibility
  • Bluetooth 4.2 technology
  • Motorola TurboPower charging system
  • 2D facial recognition
  • Android 9.0 Pie operating system
  • Up to 128 GB expandable storage
PROS
  • Available in US warranty
  • A tremendous all-day battery on a single charge
  • Waterproof make
  • Works with any carrier
  • Scratch-resistant Gorilla glass
  • Durable aluminum design
CONS
  • Average cameras
  • Disappointing microSD support

10. Motorola Moto E5 16GB Factory Unlocked Smartphone

Bring this new; factory unlocked Motorola Moto E5 smartphone to Verizon for a $250 BYOP deal and a great wireless plan. This Moto E5 is the 2018 16GB version with a 2-Gig RAM, a 5.7-inch screen, an 8-MP rear-facing camera, a Snapdragon 425 processor, a 5-MP selfie camera, and a 4,000 mAh built-in Li-Ion battery.

Motorola Moto E5 16GB Factory Unlocked Smartphone
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Other Features

  • Fingerprint sensor
  • Rapid charging technology
  • Full Wi-Fi compatibility
  • Bluetooth 4.2 technology
  • Motorola TurboPower charging system
  • Android 8.0 Oreo operating system
  • Up to 128 GB expandable storage
PROS
  • Comes with a US warranty
  • Excellent all-day battery functions on a single charge
  • Water-repellant coating for splash protection
  • Factory unlocked for all network providers
  • Scratch-resistant corning glass display protection
CONS
  • Low-quality cameras
  • Disappointing microSD support
  • Plastic back

Now you know what the best Verizon compatible unlocked phones are in 2021. But before we wind up, it’s vital to remember that Verizon Wireless has the most robust network in the US. The carrier’s band 13 is the largest 4G LTE signal in America. Besides, they have a 3G network that runs on the CDMA platform. Currently, Verizon no longer supports 2G bands. You’ll want to keep this information in mind to help you get a supported unlocked phone for Verizon Wireless services.

Bottom Line

You can use Verizon compatible unlocked phones to switch carriers through Verizon’s BYOD program. The universal cellphone does not come with any provider and can work on any carrier’s network. However, you must ensure that data and voice work properly on the new device. Also, you should keep in mind that only phones with approved software and hardware will work with Verizon Wireless. It’s the reason we recommend that you pick up one of the handsets in our list, or get an eligible device from a trusted supplier. And if you’re moving from another provider, don’t forget to ask for the phone unlock code before activating it on the Verizon network.