Based on your answers to our Cell Phone Chooser Quiz, your best bet is a contract-free or prepaid cell phone. This means that you may have to pay slightly more for the handset itself, but you will get more freedom in your calling plan. You won't have to commit to a lengthy contract and you can pay for only the calling time that you need.
You may find that there are not as many choices when it comes to prepaid cell phones, but the selection is improving every day. And it actually may be quite easy to find a handset that meets your needs, as the carriers are offering a range of prepaid phones. Better yet, you also have a choice of prepaid plans, as most of the major carriers are offering a prepaid option. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless all offer prepaid options and carriers like Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile offer a variety of contract-free choices.
Here are several prepaid and/or contract-free phones that might meet your needs:
NOTE: Not sure how you ended up on this page? Go back to the beginning of our cell phone quiz to find out.
AT&T R225 GoPhone Prepaid
AT&T
This slim and sleek cell phone is affordable, yet sports a high-end looking design. It's easy to use, and should satisfy those who need a phone for occasional use.
LG Accolade Prepaid
LG
The LG Accolade is a basic flip phone that lacks some of the bells and whistles you may find on higher-end devices. But if you're looking for an easy to use phone that delivers good call quality, a decent camera, and basic Bluetooth support, the Accolade will meet your needs.
LG Cosmos Touch Prepaid
Verizon Wireless
You don't have to choose between a touch screen and a QWERTY keyboard if you opt for the LG Cosmos Touch: this phone features both. It also offers a good range of messaging features.
LG Neon GoPhone Prepaid
AT&T
The LG Neon proves that you don't have to give up style to get a contract-free, prepaid cell phone. It offers a touchscreen and a full-slide out keyboard for easy texting, and packs in a camera, too.
Nokia X2 Prepaid
T-Mobile
The Nokia X2 looks and feels like a full-featured, full-priced phone, but it doesn't require a lengthy service contract. It offers a full QWERTY keyboard, easy access to social networks, and a variety of messaging options.
Pantech Breeze II GoPhone Prepaid
AT&T
This entry-level flip phone packs in some decidedly advanced features, including 3G support and voice-guided GPS. You also get a basic Web browser and plenty of messaging options, including mobile e-mail support.
Samsung Intensity II Prepaid
Samsung
The Samsung Intensity II packs in plenty of features for social networking addicts, including easy access to Facebook and Twitter, and a full QWERTY keyboard for composing status updates. It also offers a 1.3-megapixel camera and access to Verizon's V Cast Music with Rhapsody service.
Samsung SGH-a107 GoPhone
AT&T
This prepaid cell phone is about as basic as cell phones get. It doesn't include a camera or a music player. But it is simple to use and will satisfy users looking for an affordable, entry-level cell phone.
Samsung t249 Prepaid
Samsung
With its slick, sliding design, the Samsung t249 is proof that prepaid phones don't have to be dull. The t249 features a 1.3-megapixel camera, Bluetooth support, and plenty of messaging options.
Sanyo Juno
Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile, a prepaid brand from Sprint, offers the Sanyo Juno, a slate-style messaging phone. The Juno features a full QWERTY keyboard for easy typing, as well as a 1.3-megapixel camera and Bluetooth support.