Burner phones, devices which are intended to be cheap, throwaway, and less invasive serve may different purposes. Whether you’re after a spare to throw in your bag when travelling or hoping to minimize surveillance, there are options out there that won’t break the bank.
We’ve rounded up some of the best burner phones available today to get you started.
Why Use a Burner Phone?
There are plenty of reasons why you might want a burner phone. While news reports often link them to criminality, these devices can be incredibly useful for all sorts of legitimate reasons. They tend to be quite hard-wearing, have great battery life, and, best of all, are pretty inexpensive.
Aside from that, burner phones can be useful to protect your identity. For instance, your smartphone will have a lot of personal data stored on it. Lose your phone and that can leave you at risk of identity theft. A simpler, less expensive phone will likely only have text messages, phone calls, and contacts on there.
Given that most options rely solely on 2G or 3G connections, you’re unlikely to be using the internet in the same way, aside from possibly accessing emails or getting directions. Taking all of this into account, let’s see what handsets we rate as some of the best burner phones.
1. Nokia 3310 3G
Nokia 3310 3G Nokia 3310 3G Buy Now On Amazon $64.99If you grew up in the 1990s, then you’ll remember the original Nokia 3310, one of the most popular cell phones of all time. The Nokia 3310 3G is an update of the iconic device with a color screen and 3G capability. While this is almost two generations of wireless technology behind, so it won’t offer the fastest internet speeds, it does have its uses.
For example, it would come in useful for someone who is going to a festival for the weekend. You can call and text your friends if you lose them, and, thanks to the 3G, you could probably even locate them on a map. Aside from the 3G capabilities, the phone has a massive 27-day standby time—more than enough for a weekend away, for example. There’s even an updated version of Snake, the classic pre-internet mobile game, to play.
We reviewed the revived Nokia 3310 back in 2017. At the time, we didn’t think it offered value for money. However, the phone has evolved in the years since and has become one of the best affordable burner phones available.
2. Plum Ram 7
Plum Ram 7 Plum Ram 7 Buy Now On Amazon $55.00As mentioned, burner phones tend to be fairly rugged. Case in point is the Plum Ram 7, which looks like something that could withstand a fall from the 37th story. The handset has a damage-limiting design, so it should be able to withstand a knock or two.
This handset is also 3G, so it will be able to access the internet, albeit without many of the features we’ve come to expect. This would be an excellent phone for hiking trips or similar pursuits. Its IP68 dust and water-resistant rating will ensure you won’t easily damage it if you drop it into the sand or a stream.
This cell phone is unlocked, too, meaning you can pop any SIM card from compatible carriers into it. Consequently, you can find the provider with the best coverage at your destination and use their network. The phone boasts a fantastic 35-hour talk time and 900-hour standby time.
3. Nokia 8110 4G
Nokia 8110 4G Nokia 8110 4G Buy Now On Amazon $57.35Another Nokia, this time the revamped Nokia 8110 4G. However, unlike the 3310, this is a slider phone. Although largely a relic of a bygone era, these devices come equipped with a plastic covering over the buttons. This slides down to reveal the keypad so you can access the phone’s functions.
It is relatively inexpensive, and the sliding mouthpiece has an air of retro-cool. The 8110 outstrips the other burner phones on this list in terms of connectivity. Users can enjoy all the wonder of 4G, so you should have no problem with basic internet functions. It has a standby time of 25 days, which is the best part of a month.
It also has a talk time of 7.5 hours, so you will get plenty out of the battery. Just be aware that using the internet will drain the battery faster, so you would need to use it sparingly and ensure you turn data off when you aren’t using it. Interestingly, the original 8110 is the phone that Neo used in The Matrix!
4. Alcatel QUICKFLIP 4044C
Alcatel QUICKFLIP 4044C Alcatel QUICKFLIP 4044C Buy Now On Amazon $47.90The Alcatel QUICKFLIP 4044C is an excellent example of an inexpensive burner phone. Like the others on this list, it comes with a novel throwback feature. In this case, the 4044C is a flip phone. Although this design has seen a few modern revivals, namely the Motorola Razr 2020, it still has an element of nostalgic cool to it.
However, one additional feature that stands out is the HD Voice capabilities of the phone. This makes it an ideal choice for noisy environments like a concert or music festival, where you might not hear your friends on a regular phone. The HD Voice capabilities will filter out background noise, making a caller’s voice clearer.
5. Zanco Tiny T1
Zanco Tiny T1 Zanco Tiny T1 Buy Now On Amazon $49.99The Zanco Tiny T1 has to take the prize for the most compact handset on this list. Well, it would do, as it is the world’s smallest phone. Sick and tired of lugging an unwieldy Samsung beefcake around with you? Then the Zanco Tiny is for you.
If you are going backpacking or hiking for photography purposes, you want all the weight in your camera equipment. You can pop this phone in any pocket, and you won’t even notice the difference. Thanks to the 14-option software-based voice changer, this is an excellent phone if you want to protect your identity, too.
It also has a 180-minute talk time and a three-day standby time. Ideal for those short weekend trips away, then. The great thing is, it is a very basic phone. So, if you are taking a distraction-free break from everyday life, you can still contact someone if you need to.
The Best Cheap Burner Phone for You
Whatever you need a cheap burner phone for, there are plenty on the market to choose from. Whether you’re heading to a festival, off camping for the weekend, or just want a cheap, basic handset, the phones included here definitely have you covered.
That said, if you want to keep your smartphone’s features, while still getting the benefits of a burner phone, check out some of the best apps for a temporary burner phone number.
Read the full article: The 5 Best Burner Phones for Protecting Your Identity
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