Buying Off-Contract
When you buy a phone off-contract, you are free to choose any carrier you want—or even switch carriers if you find a better deal. You’re also not locked into a long-term contract, so you can cancel service at any time without incurring expensive early termination fees. And since you’re not tied to a specific carrier, you can buy an unlocked phone that will work on any network.
If you’re looking for more flexibility and freedom when it comes to your cell phone, buying off-contract is the way to go. Just be aware that without a carrier subsidy, an off-contract phone will usually cost more upfront than one that’s purchased with a two-year service agreement.