📱 True Cost Calculator

Big Carrier "Free" Phone
vs Budget Carrier

That "free upgrade" might cost you more than you think. Enter your numbers and see the real total — including what you're actually paying for that phone hidden in your monthly bill.

Comparison Settings

5 years

Big Carrier Plan

e.g. Verizon / AT&T / T‑Mobile
🔄 Free phone upgrade every
$
$
$
$
$
$

Budget / MVNO Carrier

e.g. Mint, Visible, Tello, US Mobile
📅 Replace / upgrade phones every
$
$
$

📊 Results

over 5 years · 3 lines
🏢 Big Carrier Total
—
—
💡 Budget Carrier Total
—
—
💰
Calculating…
Cost Comparison
Big Carrier $0
Budget Carrier $0
Detailed Breakdown
Cost Item Big Carrier Budget
💡 The Hidden Phone Math

Big carriers offer "free" phones by locking you into higher monthly plans. The premium you pay over a budget plan essentially finances the device.

Smart Switching Tips

📋
Check Contract End Date Switching before your device payoff ends can trigger early termination fees or losing that "free" phone deal.
📶
Verify Coverage First MVNOs run on major networks (e.g. Mint uses T-Mobile). Check coverage maps for your specific area before switching.
🔓
Unlock Your Phone After paying off your device, carriers must unlock it for free. A locked phone can't move to a new carrier.
💸
Look for Switch Bonuses Many MVNOs offer $50–$150 switching bonuses or free months. Factor these into your comparison.
📦
Buy Refurbished Phones A certified refurbished iPhone or Pixel can cost 30–50% less than new, dramatically improving budget carrier savings.
🧾
Read the Fine Print Some "free" phone deals require keeping service for 24–36 months. Canceling early means paying back the phone subsidy.

Quick Presets

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