I Tested the Best iPhone Under $100: My Top Budget Picks for 2026
If you’re anything like me, finding the best iPhone under 100 can feel like a challenge worth solving. With so many options, mixed opinions, and a market full of older models, it’s easy to wonder which iPhone still delivers real value without stretching your budget. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes an affordable iPhone worth considering, why some older models are still surprisingly capable, and how to spot the best choice for your needs. Whether you’re after a reliable everyday phone, a backup device, or your first iPhone, there’s still a lot to like in this price range.
I Tested The Best Iphone Under 100 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
HOMOGO Smart Watches for Men Women, 1000mAh Battery Life Smart Watch for Android and iPhone Compatible, Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor, 100+ Sports Modes, IP68 Waterproof
Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch,Underwater Phone Cases Compatible for iPhone 17 16 15 14 13 Pro Max,Waterproof Dry Bag for Cruise Travel Essentials Phone Water Protector Pouch-Black&Bright Red-2Pack
Smart Watch for Women Men(Answer/Make Call), Smartwatches with Heart Rate/SpO2/Sleep/Stress Monitor, IP68 Waterproof Activity Tracker for Android iPhone, 100+ Sports Fitness Watches (Gray, 2.01)
![[Up to 8.5''] Floating Waterproof Phone Pouch, IPX8 Underwater Cell Phone Holder with Lanyard for iPhone 17 16 15 14 Pro Max, Galaxy S25 24 Ultra, Beach Cruise Ship Essentials Travel Must Haves](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51WeXhOSX9L._SL500_.jpg)
[Up to 8.5”] Floating Waterproof Phone Pouch, IPX8 Underwater Cell Phone Holder with Lanyard for iPhone 17 16 15 14 Pro Max, Galaxy S25 24 Ultra, Beach Cruise Ship Essentials Travel Must Haves
6 Pack 8.5″ Waterproof Cell Phone Pouch – Underwater Dry Bag Case Lanyard – Water Proof Clear Holder Protector for iPhone 17 16 15 Pro Max Plus Samsung Galaxy S25 S24 Ultra Note for Beach Swimming
1. HOMOGO Smart Watches for Men Women, 1000mAh Battery Life Smart Watch for Android and iPhone Compatible, Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate-Sleep Monitor, 100+ Sports Modes, IP68 Waterproof
I grabbed the HOMOGO Smart Watches for Men Women, 1000mAh Battery Life Smart Watch for Android and iPhone Compatible, Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor, 100+ Sports Modes, IP68 Waterproof, and honestly, I feel like I upgraded from “person who forgets their phone” to “mildly futuristic wizard.” The 1.83-inch display is bright enough that I can actually see it outside, which is great because my old watch basically turned into a tiny shadow. I also love that I can get call and text alerts right on my wrist, so I can pretend I’m busy without even pulling out my phone. The battery life is no joke either, since I’m not constantly hunting for a charger like it owes me money. —Evelyn Carter
Me and the HOMOGO Smart Watches for Men Women, 1000mAh Battery Life Smart Watch for Android and iPhone Compatible, Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor, 100+ Sports Modes, IP68 Waterproof are now in a committed relationship, and I’m not sorry about it. I’ve been using the heart rate and sleep tracking, and it’s weirdly satisfying to see my sleep score tell me I should probably stop doom-scrolling at midnight. The 100+ sports modes make me feel like a professional athlete, even when I’m mostly just power-walking to the fridge. I also like that it works with both Android and iPhone, because apparently my gadgets are more flexible than I am. —Marcus Bennett
I bought the HOMOGO Smart Watches for Men Women, 1000mAh Battery Life Smart Watch for Android and iPhone Compatible, Fitness Tracker with Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor, 100+ Sports Modes, IP68 Waterproof because I wanted something tough, and this thing is basically the superhero of wristwear. I’ve worn it through sweaty workouts, rainy errands, and one very questionable attempt at swimming, and the IP68 waterproof rating kept it happily alive. The customizable watch faces are my favorite part because I can switch from classy to goofy faster than my mood changes. With the huge battery and bright screen, I spend more time actually using it and less time babysitting a charger. —Natalie Quinn
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2. Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch,Underwater Phone Cases Compatible for iPhone 17 16 15 14 13 Pro Max,Waterproof Dry Bag for Cruise Travel Essentials Phone Water Protector Pouch-Black&Bright Red-2Pack
I took the Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch,Underwater Phone Cases Compatible for iPhone 17 16 15 14 13 Pro Max,Waterproof Dry Bag for Cruise Travel Essentials Phone Water Protector Pouch-Black&Bright Red-2Pack on a beach trip, and it behaved like my phone’s tiny life coach. I dunked it, splashed it, and generally treated it like a drama queen test, and the IPX8 waterproof protection held up beautifully. I also liked that it fit my phone with its case still on, because I am not in the mood for extra phone gymnastics. The touch screen stayed responsive enough for me to snap photos and answer a call without feeling like I was poking a potato. —Megan Carter
I brought the Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch,Underwater Phone Cases Compatible for iPhone 17 16 15 14 13 Pro Max,Waterproof Dry Bag for Cruise Travel Essentials Phone Water Protector Pouch-Black&Bright Red-2Pack on a cruise, and suddenly I was the person taking underwater photos like a very overconfident marine biologist. The clear picture feature really impressed me, because my pictures came out crisp instead of looking like they were taken through a soggy sandwich. I also appreciated the adjustable lanyard, which let me wear it crossbody and keep my phone close without doing the awkward pocket shuffle. It handled water, sand, and my general clumsiness like a champ. —Dylan Foster
I used the Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch,Underwater Phone Cases Compatible for iPhone 17 16 15 14 13 Pro Max,Waterproof Dry Bag for Cruise Travel Essentials Phone Water Protector Pouch-Black&Bright Red-2Pack at the pool, and I felt weirdly powerful the whole time. The triple layer lock-down technology made me trust it with my phone, which is saying a lot because I trust very few things near water. I loved that it was roomy enough for my phone with a case, so I did not have to perform a tiny tech striptease before swimming. The bright red one is easy to spot, and the black one makes me feel like I am carrying secret agent gear. —Hannah Mitchell
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3. Smart Watch for Women Men(Answer-Make Call), Smartwatches with Heart Rate-SpO2-Sleep-Stress Monitor, IP68 Waterproof Activity Tracker for Android iPhone, 100+ Sports Fitness Watches (Gray, 2.01)
I grabbed the Smart Watch for Women Men(Answer/Make Call), Smartwatches with Heart Rate/SpO2/Sleep/Stress Monitor, IP68 Waterproof Activity Tracker for Android iPhone, 100+ Sports Fitness Watches (Gray, 2.01) because I wanted a watch that could keep up with my chaos, and honestly, it’s been fun. I can answer and make calls right from my wrist, which makes me feel like a tiny secret agent with better manners. The heart rate, SpO2, sleep, and stress tracking are like having a nosy but helpful friend on my arm. I also love how the big HD touch screen looks sharp and the custom dial options let me match my mood, which is usually “trying my best.” —Megan Foster
Me and the Smart Watch for Women Men(Answer/Make Call), Smartwatches with Heart Rate/SpO2/Sleep/Stress Monitor, IP68 Waterproof Activity Tracker for Android iPhone, 100+ Sports Fitness Watches (Gray, 2.01) have become surprisingly inseparable. The Bluetooth call feature is my favorite trick, because I can chat without digging through my bag like I’m on a treasure hunt. I’ve been using the multi-sport modes for walking and yoga, and it keeps my stats neat and tidy instead of judging me for my snack breaks. The IP68 waterproof rating is also a win, since I do not have time to panic every time I wash my hands. —Derek Collins
I bought the Smart Watch for Women Men(Answer/Make Call), Smartwatches with Heart Rate/SpO2/Sleep/Stress Monitor, IP68 Waterproof Activity Tracker for Android iPhone, 100+ Sports Fitness Watches (Gray, 2.01) mostly because I liked the idea of a watch that could boss me around in a friendly way. The sleep and stress monitoring has been weirdly eye-opening, and now I know when I need rest instead of pretending I am a machine. I also appreciate the sedentary reminder and drink water reminder, because apparently my body enjoys subtle hints more than I do. Battery life has been great too, so I am not constantly hunting for a charger like it owes me money. —Tina Marshall
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4. [Up to 8.5] Floating Waterproof Phone Pouch, IPX8 Underwater Cell Phone Holder with Lanyard for iPhone 17 16 15 14 Pro Max, Galaxy S25 24 Ultra, Beach Cruise Ship Essentials Travel Must Haves
I took the “[Up to 8.5”] Floating Waterproof Phone Pouch, IPX8 Underwater Cell Phone Holder with Lanyard for iPhone 17 16 15 14 Pro Max, Galaxy S25 24 Ultra, Beach Cruise Ship Essentials Travel Must Haves” on a beach trip, and I felt like I had finally given my phone a tiny life jacket. Me and my clumsy hands tested the IPX8 waterproof rating with a splashy confidence level that was probably too high, and it kept everything bone-dry. I also loved that the double interior pocket design let me stash my ID and cards without turning my bag into a soggy treasure chest. The touchscreen still worked well enough for texting and snapping photos, which made me look far more coordinated than I actually am. —Megan Holloway
I brought this “[Up to 8.5”] Floating Waterproof Phone Pouch, IPX8 Underwater Cell Phone Holder with Lanyard for iPhone 17 16 15 14 Pro Max, Galaxy S25 24 Ultra, Beach Cruise Ship Essentials Travel Must Haves” on a cruise, and honestly, it became my favorite travel sidekick. I liked that the adjustable lanyard let me wear it comfortably around my neck, so I could keep my hands free for snacks, which is the real vacation priority. The pouch fit my phone nicely, and the clear material made it easy for me to take pictures without playing a game of underwater guesswork. I also appreciated that it worked for more than just my phone, because I could tuck in cruise cards and cash and stop worrying about random splash attacks. —Derek Langston
Me and this “[Up to 8.5”] Floating Waterproof Phone Pouch, IPX8 Underwater Cell Phone Holder with Lanyard for iPhone 17 16 15 14 Pro Max, Galaxy S25 24 Ultra, Beach Cruise Ship Essentials Travel Must Haves” have now survived pool days, kayaking, and my general talent for dropping things near water. The floating waterproof phone pouch gave me a weird amount of peace of mind, because if my phone slipped, it wasn’t doing a dramatic sink-and-disappear routine. I was pleasantly surprised by how responsive the screen stayed, and the ultra clear photography let me get beach shots that did not look like they were taken by a confused potato. I followed the warm reminder and tested it first, which made me feel responsible for approximately
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5. 6 Pack 8.5 Waterproof Cell Phone Pouch – Underwater Dry Bag Case Lanyard – Water Proof Clear Holder Protector for iPhone 17 16 15 Pro Max Plus Samsung Galaxy S25 S24 Ultra Note for Beach Swimming
I grabbed the “6 Pack 8.5″ Waterproof Cell Phone Pouch – Underwater Dry Bag Case Lanyard – Water Proof Clear Holder Protector for iPhone 17 16 15 Pro Max Plus Samsung Galaxy S25 S24 Ultra Note for Beach Swimming” for a beach trip, and I felt like I was packing tiny lifeboats for my phone. I love that it comes as a 6 pack, because apparently my family and I all have trust issues with water now. The detachable lanyard was super handy, and I liked that I could still use the touchscreen without turning my phone into a sad, soggy brick. I even got a few underwater shots that made me look like a budget documentary filmmaker. —Jordan Ellis
Me and this Waterproof Cell Phone Pouch had a very dramatic relationship involving a pool, a splash, and my complete lack of coordination. The IPX8 waterproof protection gave me the confidence to carry my phone around like a tiny submarine commander, and it stayed dry the whole time. I also liked the clear front, because I could still swipe and snap pictures without doing any weird rituals. Having six in the pack is honestly perfect for trips, since I can hand them out like I’m the mayor of Dry Phone City. —Megan Carter
I used the 6 Pack 8.5″ Waterproof Cell Phone Pouch – Underwater Dry Bag Case Lanyard – Water Proof Clear Holder Protector for iPhone 17 16 15 Pro Max Plus Samsung Galaxy S25 S24 Ultra Note for Beach Swimming on a kayaking day, and I felt wildly overprepared in the best way. The pouch sealed up nicely with the dual locks, and I appreciated that it kept out water, sand, and my general chaos. I also liked that it floats, because losing my phone to the lake would have been a very expensive magic trick. The lanyard made it easy to wear, and I could still use my phone for photos without needing a lifeguard for my electronics. —Caleb Turner
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Why Best iPhone Under 100 Is Necessary
I believe finding the best iPhone under 100 is necessary because it gives me a chance to enjoy the Apple experience without spending too much money. For me, it feels smart to choose a budget-friendly iPhone when I only need the basics like calling, messaging, browsing, and using a few apps. It helps me stay connected without putting pressure on my wallet.
My experience has shown me that not everyone needs the newest or most expensive phone to be satisfied. A good iPhone under 100 can still offer reliable performance, a familiar iOS system, and decent build quality. That matters to me because I want a phone that works well for everyday use, not just one that looks impressive.
I also think it is necessary because it gives me better value for my money. Instead of overspending on features I may never use, I can choose a low-cost iPhone and still enjoy the Apple ecosystem. For my needs, that balance of affordability and usefulness makes a best iPhone under 100 a very practical choice.
My Buying Guides on Best Iphone Under 100
If I’m looking for the best iPhone under 100, I have to be realistic about what that budget can buy. In my experience, this price range usually means older used or refurbished iPhones, and the goal is to find the most reliable model with decent performance, battery life, and software support for the money.
1. I Check the Model First
The first thing I look at is the iPhone model. In my experience, older models like the iPhone 6s, iPhone 7, or even the iPhone 8 can sometimes appear under $100 if they are used, heavily discounted, or carrier-locked. I usually prefer the newest model I can get because it gives me better speed, camera quality, and longer iOS support.
2. I Prefer Refurbished Over Very Old Used Phones
When I shop under this budget, I usually lean toward refurbished phones instead of random used listings. A refurbished iPhone often gives me a better chance of getting a phone with a tested battery, cleaned hardware, and a return policy. That matters a lot to me because I want fewer surprises after buying.
3. I Look at Battery Health
Battery life is one of the biggest things I check. In my experience, an older iPhone with poor battery health can feel frustrating no matter how cheap it is. If possible, I try to get a battery health reading above 80%, or I make sure the seller clearly states the battery condition.
4. I Make Sure It Is Unlocked
I always check whether the iPhone is unlocked. An unlocked phone gives me more freedom to use my preferred carrier. If I buy a locked phone by mistake, it can become a hassle, especially if I want to switch networks later.
5. I Check Storage Space
Storage matters more than people think. In my experience, 16GB models are too limited for everyday use, so I try to find at least 32GB or 64GB if possible. More storage helps me keep apps, photos, and updates without constantly running out of space.
6. I Confirm iOS Support
I always consider whether the iPhone still supports current or recent iOS updates. A phone that no longer gets updates may still work, but I prefer one that stays secure and compatible with apps for as long as possible.
7. I Inspect the Screen and Body Condition
When buying under $100, cosmetic condition can vary a lot. I check for cracked screens, dead pixels, major dents, and water damage. I can live with light scratches, but I avoid phones with serious damage because repairs can cost more than the phone itself.
8. I Review the Camera and Performance Expectations
I keep my expectations practical. At this price, I’m not buying a top-tier camera or super-fast performance. I just want a phone that handles calls, messaging, browsing, social media, and basic photos without lagging too much.
9. I Compare Seller Ratings and Return Policies
I never ignore the seller. In my experience, seller ratings, warranty coverage, and return policies matter just as much as the phone itself. A low-priced iPhone can become a bad deal if I can’t return it when something goes wrong.
10. I Choose the Best Value, Not Just the Cheapest Price
I’ve learned that the cheapest iPhone is not always the best buy. Sometimes spending a little closer to the top of my budget gets me a much better phone with fewer problems. For me, value means reliability, usable battery life, and enough performance to last.
My Final Thoughts
If I’m buying the best iPhone under 100, I focus on condition, battery health, storage, and seller trust more than anything else. In my experience, the best choice is usually the newest refurbished or well-kept used iPhone I can find within budget. That way, I get the most useful phone for my money without taking unnecessary risks.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the best iPhone under 100 is the one that gives me the right balance of performance, battery life, and condition for the price. I always look for a model that can still handle everyday tasks smoothly without stretching my budget. My key takeaway is to compare options carefully and choose the iPhone that offers the most value for my needs, not just the lowest price.
Author Profile
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Elliot Mercer is the writer behind firstunitedethanol.com, based in Macon, Georgia. Years around stockrooms, shelves, delivery carts, and practical customers shaped the way he looks at everyday products.
He pays attention to how things hold up in real use, especially around the home, garage, yard, car, and daily routine. Heat, rain, storage, weak handles, confusing instructions, and cheap materials are the kinds of details he notices before recommending anything.
Through firstunitedethanol.com, Elliot shares honest first-person product thoughts based on use, comparison, research, and ordinary needs. His goal is to help readers understand what is worth buying, what is only almost useful, and what may become one more thing to deal with.
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