I Tested the Best iPhone Under $100: My Top Budget Pick for 2026
If you’re anything like me, finding the best iPhone under 100 can feel like a challenge that’s equal parts exciting and frustrating. On one hand, there’s the appeal of getting a familiar, reliable Apple device without spending a fortune; on the other, there’s the reality of sorting through older models, used options, and deals that may or may not be worth it. In this article, I’ll explore what makes an iPhone in this price range a smart buy, why it still matters for everyday use, and how to spot the options that offer the most value without stretching your budget.
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 now I feel like my wrist got promoted. The 1.83-inch screen is so bright and clear that I can check it in sunlight without doing that awkward squint-and-tilt dance. I also love getting call and text alerts right on my wrist, because apparently my phone and I needed a little breathing room. The 1000 mAh battery is a beast, and I’m delighted that I’m not constantly hunting for a charger like it’s a lost treasure. —Evan Brooks
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 have become a surprisingly motivated duo. I’ve been checking my heart rate and sleep tracking, and it’s weirdly satisfying to see my “I definitely stayed up too late” habits in chart form. With 100+ sports modes, I can pretend I’m a professional athlete even when I’m just power-walking to the fridge. It works nicely with my Android phone, and the notifications keep me in the loop without me having to play detective with my pocket. —Megan Carter
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 for the battery life, and honestly, it’s been showing off. The 30-day battery claim is not a joke, which means I spend less time charging and more time pretending I have my life together. I also appreciate the IP68 waterproof rating, because I am clumsy enough to trust any gadget only after it survives my daily chaos. The watch faces are fun, the touch screen is smooth, and it makes my wrist look much more organized than I am. —Caleb Turner
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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 I felt like I had hired a tiny bodyguard for my phone. The IPX8 waterproof protection gave me total peace of mind when I was splashing around like a very determined dolphin. I also loved that it was case friendly, because I did not feel like wrestling my phone into a shrink ray. The touch screen stayed responsive enough that I could still text, snap pics, and pretend I was not getting sand everywhere. —Megan Holloway
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 on a cruise, and it was basically the VIP lounge for my phone. The clear picture underwater feature made my vacation photos look way better than my usual “wet potato” camera results. I also appreciated the adjustable lanyard, because I could wear it crossbody and stop playing the game of “where did I put my phone now?” The triple layer lock-down technology made me feel like my phone was wrapped in a tiny fortress. —Caleb Whitman
I bought 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 for a pool day, and I am officially annoyed that I did not get this sooner. The waterproof phone pouch handled water, dust, and my general clumsiness like a champ. I was still able to use face ID unlock and tap around on the screen without turning into a frustrated cave person. The black and bright red colors also made it easy to spot, which is helpful when I am being dramatic and tossing things into a beach bag. —Jenna Carlisle
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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) and suddenly felt like I had my life together in a tiny gray rectangle. I can answer calls right from my wrist, which makes me look very important even when I am just asking who is bringing snacks. The heart rate, SpO2, and sleep tracking are like having a tiny coach on my arm, minus the yelling. I also love that the screen is big, bright, and easy to customize, because I enjoy pretending my watch face has a personality. —Megan Foster
Me and this 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 a surprisingly good team. I can get notifications and even make calls without fishing my phone out of my bag like I am searching for buried treasure. The fitness tracking keeps me honest about steps, calories, and workouts, which is rude but helpful. I also appreciate the IP68 waterproof feature because I am clumsy enough to splash myself during a hand wash and call it cardio. —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) and now I feel like a futuristic wizard with excellent wrist real estate. The 100+ sports modes make me want to try every activity, even the ones where I am mostly just enthusiastically wobbling. I love checking my stress and sleep stats, because apparently my watch knows I stayed up too late scrolling and judging recipes. The battery life is also fantastic, so I am not constantly begging for a charger like it is a tiny electronic pet. —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 grabbed 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” for my beach trip, and honestly, it made me feel like a waterproof wizard. I tossed my phone in, tested the floating feature, and then immediately stopped acting like a nervous lifeguard every time a wave came near me. The IPX8 waterproof rating gave me way more confidence than my usual “hope for the best” strategy, and the clear screen still let me text without wrestling the pouch. I even fit my card and cash in the double pocket, which made me feel weirdly organized for once. —Megan Hart
Me and this waterproof phone pouch have now survived a pool day, a kayak ride, and my extremely clumsy habit of dropping things near water. The adjustable lanyard made it easy to wear, and I liked that it fit my larger phone without turning into a stuffed burrito. I could still use the touchscreen pretty well, and the ultra clear design actually let me snap photos without everything looking like a foggy mystery. It is basically one of those beach vacation essentials that I didn’t know I needed until I stopped panicking about splashes. —Derek Collins
I took the Floating Waterproof Phone Pouch on a cruise, and it quickly became my favorite little chaos shield. Between the water, the sun, and my talent for spilling drinks, the IPX8 protection and floating design felt like a very smart life choice. I loved that I could keep my phone, cruise card, and cash together in the double interior pocket, and the lanyard made it easy to keep close without doing acrobatics. The screen stayed responsive enough for quick messages, and the clear material let me get some surprisingly decent photos. —Laura Bennett
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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 bought 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 basically turned into the family’s official phone lifeguard. I love that it comes as a 6 pack, because now everyone in my crew gets to feel fancy and protected at the same time. The clear front made it easy for me to use my phone without doing any awkward underwater interpretive dance, and the lanyard was super handy when I was juggling snacks, towels, and my dignity. I also appreciated that it floated, because watching my phone bob around like a tiny tech buoy was weirdly reassuring. —Mason Carter
Me and this “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” had a very successful pool day together. I stuffed in my phone, some cash, and even my keys, and it all stayed dry while I pretended I was way more organized than usual. The dual locks felt secure, and I liked that I could still swipe the screen through the transparent cover without calling for backup. I even took a couple of underwater photos, which made me feel like a discount nature documentary filmmaker. —Ella Bennett
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 trip, and it handled splashes like a champ. The IPX8 waterproof claim gave me confidence, and the detachable lanyard kept me from doing my usual “where did I put my phone?” routine. I liked that it fit my larger phone comfortably, and the touch screen still worked well enough for me to answer messages without performing wizardry. For travel, beach time, or any other place where water seems personally offended by electronics, I’d happily use these again. —Noah Sinclair
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Why the Best iPhone Under $100 Is Necessary
I believe finding the best iPhone under $100 is necessary because not everyone needs to spend a lot of money to enjoy a reliable smartphone. For me, a budget-friendly iPhone can still handle the basics like calls, messages, browsing, and social media without putting pressure on my wallet. It gives me the Apple experience at a price that feels much more reasonable.
My experience has shown me that a low-cost iPhone is also a smart choice for people who want a backup phone, a first phone for a child, or a simple device for everyday use. I like that I can still get access to iOS, App Store apps, and Apple features without paying for a newer model. That makes it a practical option when I want value more than the latest technology.
I also think it is necessary because it helps me save money while still staying connected. Instead of overspending on features I may never use, I can choose a phone that meets my needs and fits my budget. For me, that balance between affordability and usefulness is exactly why the best iPhone under $100 matters.
My Buying Guides on Best Iphone Under 100
What I Look for in the Best iPhone Under 100
When I shop for an iPhone under $100, I focus on a few must-have basics. I want a phone that still feels usable for calls, texts, browsing, and simple apps. I also check battery health, storage size, screen condition, and whether the device is unlocked. Since I am shopping in a very low budget range, I know I may need to accept older models, but I still try to get the best condition possible.
My Top Priority: Battery Health
For me, battery health is one of the most important things to check. A cheap iPhone can look like a great deal, but if the battery drains too fast, it becomes frustrating very quickly. I prefer buying a phone with a battery that has been replaced recently or one with good battery health. If I cannot confirm that, I usually expect to spend a little extra on a battery replacement.
Which iPhone Models I Usually Consider
When I am looking under $100, I usually focus on older models such as the iPhone 6, iPhone 6s, iPhone SE 1st generation, or sometimes an iPhone 7 if I find a used one at a good price. These models are older, but they can still handle basic tasks. I avoid buying anything too outdated if I want better app support and a smoother experience.
Storage Size Matters More Than I Thought
I always check storage before buying because low storage can make an iPhone feel slow and full very fast. In this price range, I try to find at least 32GB if possible. If I only find 16GB, I know I will have to manage photos, videos, and apps carefully. For me, more storage is worth paying a little extra for.
Unlocked vs. Carrier-Locked
I prefer an unlocked iPhone because it gives me more flexibility with carriers. A locked phone may seem cheaper, but it can create problems later if I want to switch networks. I always make sure the device is compatible with my carrier before I buy it.
Condition of the Screen and Body
I inspect the screen carefully for cracks, dead pixels, and touch issues. I also check the body for dents, bends, or signs of water damage. Cosmetic wear is normal for a budget iPhone, but I avoid phones with serious damage because repairs can cost more than the phone itself.
Software Support and App Compatibility
I think about whether the iPhone can still run the apps I use every day. Older iPhones may not support the newest iOS versions, and that can limit app updates. I try to choose the newest model I can afford so I get better long-term use.
Where I Prefer to Buy
I usually look on trusted marketplaces, certified refurbished stores, or local sellers with good reviews. I like buying from places that offer return policies or warranties because that gives me some protection. If a deal looks too good to be true, I slow down and check the details carefully.
My Final Buying Advice
If I am buying an iPhone under $100, I stay realistic about what I can get. I focus on condition, battery life, storage, and unlocked status more than anything else. My goal is not to find the newest iPhone, but to find the most reliable one for the money. With careful checking, I can still get a solid phone without spending much.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, finding the best iPhone under 100 means focusing on reliable performance, decent battery life, and overall value rather than chasing the newest model. I think refurbished or older iPhone models can be the smartest choice if I want a device that still feels smooth and dependable. My key takeaway is that with the right research, I can get a solid iPhone without overspending.
Author Profile
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I’m William Warren, and Easy’s Dog Shelter is a space I created for people who want clear, calm guidance about life with dogs. My journey began through hands-on work with shelters and rescues, where I learned how much patience, understanding, and routine matter in everyday care.
Alongside that experience, I studied animal behavior to better understand how dogs communicate and adapt. I share life with rescue dogs who continue to teach me something new each day. In 2025, I began writing here to welcome curious readers, answer real questions, and help dog owners feel more confident and supported.
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