Best iPhones Under $100 in 2026: What Is Actually Worth Buying?
Looking for an iPhone under $100? Here is the used model I would consider, the compromises to expect and the checks that matter before paying.
A $100 iPhone can be a useful purchase, but this is a budget where the condition of the phone matters more than its appearance. A working Touch ID sensor, enough storage and a battery that does not need immediate attention are worth more than a clean box.
The iPhone SE (2020) is my first recommendation to check. Its compact design and basic iPhone features give it a practical role at this price. There are compromises, especially with the screen and camera, so here is what you should know before buying one.
My quick pick: The iPhone SE (2020) is a conditional buy here. The $108 used average is above the budget, so only a working offer whose total stays below $100 qualifies. If that means accepting a faulty battery or Activation Lock, skip the deal.
Quick comparison
| Model | Price reference | Useful features | Main compromise |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE (2020) | From US$75; US$108 average | Touch ID; compact 4.7-inch body | No Night mode, ultrawide or 5G; battery age |
US used listing averages, 7 October 2026, before tax and delivery. Storage, carrier and condition vary. New retail prices are labelled separately; an average is not a guaranteed offer.
iPhone SE (2020): my first recommendation to check
The SE makes sense when your priority is having an inexpensive iPhone for calls, messaging and a few essential apps. Its A13 chip, Touch ID and familiar Home button give it a straightforward role. I would approach it as a basic daily phone or a backup, rather than a cheap flagship.
You need to be comfortable with the 4.7-inch LCD. Reading a long document, typing a lot and watching video will feel more cramped than on a modern large-screen iPhone. The cheapest units may also have only 64GB, which leaves less breathing room once your apps, photos and system files are installed.
Its single rear camera can record 4K video, but it does not give you an ultrawide camera or Apple's Night mode. For receipts, video calls and occasional daylight photos, that may be enough. If photographing people indoors is the main reason you want an iPhone, I would save towards a more suitable model.
The battery is where I would slow down. An old SE with a weak battery can turn a small saving into constant charging. Ask for its battery information and the seller's return terms, and include any necessary service in the total. The right price is the cost of a usable phone, not just the number on the listing.
Why I would resist an even older bargain
A cheap iPhone 8, original SE or older flagship can look attractive beside a damaged SE (2020). However, those models are outside Apple's current iOS 27 compatibility list. That is different from saying every app immediately stops working, but it makes them harder to recommend as a primary purchase now.
The SE (2020) is on that compatibility list. Still, avoid attaching a promised number of future updates to it: Apple has not given this particular used handset a new support clock. Check that the apps you need support its software, and do not confuse current iOS compatibility with support for every new AI feature.
A seller advertising an Activation Locked phone as an easy fix would end the conversation for me. The previous owner needs to remove the lock before purchase. The same applies to unclear carrier restrictions when you need the phone to work on a different network.
What I would check before handing over $100
Start with activation and network compatibility. Then test the Home button and Touch ID, both cameras, the microphone, speakers, screen touch response and charging port. A scratched back is a different compromise from a broken authentication sensor or a phone that cannot charge reliably.
Ask whether the displayed price includes shipping, then calculate any tax. A $95 listing is not safely within a strict $100 total budget. If you must leave room for a cable, case or repair, reduce the amount you offer for the handset itself.
My final check would be storage. If your existing phone already uses more than 64GB, buying the cheapest capacity creates a problem you can predict before paying. Keep looking for a suitable configuration rather than assuming cloud storage removes every local-storage limitation.
Compare the hardware in our iPhone 13 specifications page before choosing storage and accessories.
My verdict
The iPhone SE (2020) is worth considering under $100 if you want a compact iPhone for basic daily use. I recommend it only when activation, network compatibility and battery condition have been checked. At this price, the individual phone matters as much as its features.
If the available examples need immediate repairs, save towards a better option in the under-$200 guide. A low price is only a good deal when the phone is ready for the things you need it to do.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a new iPhone for under $100?
This guide is about used stock. I have not verified an outright, unconditional new-iPhone offer below $100; carrier bill credits and trade-ins are not equivalent to that price.
Is the iPhone SE (2020) still supported in 2026?
Apple includes it in the iOS 27 compatibility list. That does not guarantee future major versions or every feature available on newer iPhones.
Should I buy an iCloud-locked iPhone if it is cheap?
No. Do not pay for an Activation Locked phone. Ask the owner to remove the lock and verify activation before completing the purchase.
For a complete recording setup, read our iPhone content creation guide under $500.