Best Phones
Shortlists for a budget or a need: phones under $300 and under $500, the iPhone to buy, foldables and small phones. Every pick is backed by a spec table you can check against the manufacturer's own page, and every list says what we left out and why.
Best foldable phones (October 2026)
Eight foldables on sale in the US plus the iPhone Duo, compared on paper: screens, weight, dust and water ratings, batteries and update promises.
Best phones under $300 (October 2026)
Three phones cost under $300 on their makers' US stores on October 15, 2026. The Galaxy A17 5G leads on update support; two Motorolas cost less.
Best phones under $500 (October 2026)
Five phones that cost $499.99 or less on their makers' US stores on October 15, 2026, picked on update promises, carrier support and published specs.
Best small phones (October 2026)
The best phones with screens of 6.3 inches or less, compared on weight, battery, cameras, price and update promises, from the Galaxy S26 to the iPhone 17e.
Which iPhone to buy (October 2026)
The iPhone 17 is the one to buy for most people. We compare it with six other iPhones, from the $699 iPhone 17e to the $1,999 iPhone Duo.
