So you want to buy a cell phone and program it with your own custom ringtone? Wait! It's not that simple... Not all cell phones are created equal in terms of downloadable ringtones. In fact, regarding programmable ringtones, cell phones fall in one of two categories:
"Downloadable Ringtones" Really Doesn't Always Mean Free
Most will assume that once a cell phone can receive downloadable ringtones, it can be done free, but that's wrong. In fact, cell phone operators and manufacturers are increasingly restricting ringtone updates to make sure only them can send ringtones to your phone, so they have you captive. Always use the Ringtone compatibility finder to make sure that a specific phone on a specific network that you are planing to buy will let you do free ringtones.
Want It Free? It's Still Possible!
Fortunately, there are still phones that let you program your own ringtones. These phones, like most Motorola, Nokia and Sony Ericsson phones as well as some Samsung models, let you simply browse to a "midi" file such as those found in our free ringtones and save it as a ringtone.
Most European phones such as Sony Ericsson and Nokia generally let transfer ringtones directly from your PC to your phone through a infrared or Bluetooth connection, which is even faster and simpler.
...But Don't Obssess On Free Ringtones!
After all, if you are just about to pay 40$ more for a phone that lets you do free ringtones but can find a cheaper phone that has everything else you need, maybe you should just go for the cheaper one and pay for ringtones. It may cost you a couple of dollars per year to download new ringtones, but if it makes sense for you to have that specific phone, then it may just be your best bet!