Phone deals with free gifts: what they really cost

Written by BillsSorted Editor • Updated 17 October 2026

A gift can hide a higher monthly price. Add up what the deal costs over the whole contract, then take off what the gift is worth to you.

Contracts started since 17 January 2025 must state any yearly price rise in pounds and pence, so you can add that in too.

Source: Ofcom ban on inflation-linked mid-contract price rises, in force from 17 January 2025

Work out what a gift deal costs

Deal with a gift

Enter 0 if there is nothing to pay upfront.

Use the price you'd pay for it in a shop today, not the value the deal claims.

The same phone without the gift Optional

Fill this in to see the two deals next to each other. It uses the same contract length.

Contracts started since 17 January 2025 must state any yearly price rise in pounds and pence. Older contracts may use a percentage: enter roughly what that adds each month.

Each rise is added once every 12 months, from month 13. Source: Ofcom ban on inflation-linked mid-contract price rises, in force from 17 January 2025

How a gift changes the cost

A deal with a gift and a deal without one can have different monthly prices for the same phone. Over a long contract, a small monthly gap adds up.

The gift only lowers your cost if it is something you would have bought anyway. Use the price you would pay for it in a shop today.

Compare deals with gifts

Deals come from our comparison partners.

Some providers pay for higher placement in the Featured order.

What to check

  • What would the gift cost to buy in a shop today?
  • Would you have bought it anyway?
  • What does the same phone cost each month without the gift?
  • Does the contract include a yearly price rise?
  • Do you have to claim the gift, and by when?

Related pages

Phone contracts: check the full cost, then compareWork out the full cost of a phone contractPhone upgrade: upgrade with your network or switch?Compare your network's upgrade offer with a new dealWhen does my phone contract end? Check if your phone is paid offFind out if your phone is likely paid off

Sources and dates

Figures on this page are a guide, not advice. They show typical prices for new deals, not what is right for you. Prices and rules change often, so check the details with the provider before you decide.