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10 Best Burner Phones 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | 2024 | Unlocked | Made for US 8/256GB | 50MP Camera | Scarlet Wave

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,313
Battery Life
Ease of Use

Most important from
2275 reviews

Battery Life
The phone delivers impressive battery life, easily lasting multiple days on light use and still holding substantial charge after heavy use.
Ease of Use
The software experience is clean and intuitive, running near-pure Android 14 with minimal bloatware that is easy to remove.

The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is a versatile unlocked phone that can serve well as a burner phone, especially if you want a device with more features than basic models. It offers excellent battery life, boasting up to 30 hours of talk time and a 5000mAh battery that supports fast 30W charging, so you won’t need to recharge often. Network compatibility is solid since it’s unlocked and supports 5G, ensuring good connectivity across most US carriers. The phone is fairly lightweight (190 grams) and moderately sized with a 6.7-inch screen, which might be larger than typical burner phones but still reasonably portable. It also includes a handy built-in stylus, which adds extra functionality if you like jotting notes or sketching.

Call and text quality should be reliable, supported by Android 14 and a Snapdragon processor, although it focuses more on multimedia features like a 50MP camera and big, vibrant display. In terms of durability, while it has a modern design with a soft vegan leather finish, it may not be as rugged as simpler models meant purely for temporary use. Ease of use is straightforward with Android and added features like dual SIM and expandable storage, but the numerous extras might feel overwhelming if you want a strictly basic phone.

This phone is best suited for users who want a burner phone that also doubles as a fully capable smartphone with a long battery life and good network support, rather than just a minimal, disposable device.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,313
Battery Life
Ease of Use

Most important from
2275 reviews

Battery Life
The phone delivers impressive battery life, easily lasting multiple days on light use and still holding substantial charge after heavy use.
Ease of Use
The software experience is clean and intuitive, running near-pure Android 14 with minimal bloatware that is easy to remove.
#2

SAMSUNG Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked 6.7" Dual Sim 50MP Dual Cam (Case Bundle) (Gray)

Rating
9.1
Durability
Ease of Use
Call and Text Quality

Most important from
2370 reviews

Durability
Offers excellent value, especially when found on sale, combining solid build and reliable functionality.
Ease of Use
A great choice for a first phone, balancing simplicity with enough features to meet basic needs.
Call and Text Quality
Stands out as a dependable device for calls and texts, maintaining consistent operation.

The Samsung Galaxy A16 4G offers a large 5000mAh battery, supporting up to around 41 hours of talk time, making it a strong choice if you want a burner phone that lasts long without frequent charging. It supports a wide range of 4G LTE bands globally, but in the U.S., compatibility is limited mainly to T-Mobile and related networks, which could restrict use depending on your carrier. The phone is larger and heavier than typical burner phones, featuring a 6.7-inch screen, so it’s less pocket-friendly if you prioritize compactness and portability. Its dual SIM feature is handy for separating private and temporary numbers.

The Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate ensures clear and smooth visuals, and the 50MP dual cameras are quite advanced for a burner phone, though camera quality might exceed basic usage needs. The device runs on Android with a MediaTek Helio chipset and 4GB RAM, offering decent performance for calls, texts, and everyday apps without complexity. However, the phone lacks a headphone jack, which might inconvenience some users.

In terms of durability, it has a standard smartphone build, so it might not withstand rough handling as well as simpler, more rugged burner models. Call and text quality is generally reliable on compatible networks. If you want a burner phone that also serves as a full-featured smartphone with good battery life and decent performance, the Galaxy A16 is a suitable option. However, if size, simplicity, or broad U.S. carrier compatibility are your top priorities, there may be better choices available.

Rating
9.1
Durability
Ease of Use
Call and Text Quality

Most important from
2370 reviews

Durability
Offers excellent value, especially when found on sale, combining solid build and reliable functionality.
Ease of Use
A great choice for a first phone, balancing simplicity with enough features to meet basic needs.
Call and Text Quality
Stands out as a dependable device for calls and texts, maintaining consistent operation.
#3

Motorola Moto G 5G | 2024 | Unlocked | Made for US 4/128GB | 50MP Camera | Sage Green

Rating
8.8
Battery Life
Network Compatibility
Size and Portability

Most important from
4060 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life is phenomenal, easily lasting all day and often requiring charging only every other day.
Network Compatibility
Compatibility with carriers like Mint Mobile works well, even if not explicitly listed, enhancing its versatility as an unlocked device.
Size and Portability
The display is bright and large enough for comfortable viewing, though the phone may feel a bit bulky for those prioritizing ultimate portability.
Call and Text Quality
Call quality is clear and dependable, making it a solid choice for basic communication as well as multimedia use.

The Motorola Moto G 5G (2024) offers solid battery life with its large 5000mAh capacity, supporting around 24 hours of talk time and speedy charging, which is a plus if you want a burner phone that won’t die quickly. It supports 5G connectivity, providing fast network speeds depending on your carrier and location. The phone weighs 194 grams and has a sizable 6.6-inch display, which is great for visibility but may be a bit bulky if ultimate portability is your priority.

Its call and text quality is reliable, boosted by stereo speakers and noise-reducing features, with a focus on multimedia rather than just basic communication. The phone has a premium feel with a fingerprint-resistant vegan leather back, though it may not be as rugged as some simpler burner phones designed specifically for rough use. Running Android 14 with a user-friendly interface, the larger screen and advanced features make it well suited for users seeking a balance between simplicity and modern performance.

Storage is generous at 128GB, expandable up to 1TB, which is more than enough for temporary use. This Moto G 5G is a strong option if you want a fully unlocked, fast, and feature-packed phone that can double as a burner but might be larger and more advanced than the smallest, easiest-to-use burner phones.

Rating
8.8
Battery Life
Network Compatibility
Size and Portability

Most important from
4060 reviews

Battery Life
The battery life is phenomenal, easily lasting all day and often requiring charging only every other day.
Network Compatibility
Compatibility with carriers like Mint Mobile works well, even if not explicitly listed, enhancing its versatility as an unlocked device.
Size and Portability
The display is bright and large enough for comfortable viewing, though the phone may feel a bit bulky for those prioritizing ultimate portability.
Call and Text Quality
Call quality is clear and dependable, making it a solid choice for basic communication as well as multimedia use.

Buying Guide for the Best Burner Phones

Burner phones are typically used for temporary or disposable purposes, such as travel, privacy, or emergency situations. When choosing a burner phone, it's important to focus on the essential features that will meet your specific needs without overcomplicating the decision. Here are some key specs to consider and how to approach them.
Battery LifeBattery life refers to how long the phone can operate before needing a recharge. This is crucial for a burner phone, especially if you plan to use it in situations where charging might not be readily available. Battery life can range from a few hours to several days. If you need the phone for emergencies or extended travel, opt for a model with longer battery life. For occasional use, a shorter battery life might be sufficient.
Network CompatibilityNetwork compatibility indicates which cellular networks the phone can connect to. This is important to ensure that the phone will work in your area or the area you plan to use it. Phones can be compatible with GSM, CDMA, or both. GSM is more common globally, while CDMA is used by certain carriers in specific regions. Check the network compatibility based on your location and carrier preferences.
DurabilityDurability refers to how well the phone can withstand physical damage, such as drops or exposure to elements. This is important if you plan to use the phone in rugged conditions or if you need a reliable device that won't easily break. Look for phones with sturdy construction, such as those with reinforced cases or water-resistant features. If you only need the phone for light use, durability might be less of a concern.
Ease of UseEase of use encompasses how simple and intuitive the phone is to operate. This is important for a burner phone, as you may need to use it quickly and efficiently without a steep learning curve. Basic phones with straightforward interfaces are ideal for this purpose. If you need more advanced features, ensure that the phone's interface is still user-friendly.
Size and PortabilitySize and portability refer to the physical dimensions and weight of the phone. This is important if you need a phone that is easy to carry and store. Smaller, lightweight phones are ideal for portability and convenience. If you need a larger screen for easier viewing or typing, consider a slightly bigger model, but ensure it remains easy to transport.
Call and Text QualityCall and text quality refers to the clarity and reliability of voice calls and text messages. This is crucial for effective communication, especially in emergency situations. Look for phones with good reception and clear audio quality. If you plan to use the phone primarily for texting, ensure the keypad or touchscreen is comfortable and responsive.

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