Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you buy through links on this site. This doesn't affect our editorial opinions — we only recommend phones we'd actually suggest to friends. Full disclosure
Best iPhones 2026
The most popular iPhone models ranked by our editors — from the latest flagship to the best budget-friendly option.
Quick tip:If you're upgrading from an iPhone 12 or older, any current model is a significant upgrade. If you have an iPhone 15, only upgrade if you want the telephoto camera or better battery life.
Advertisement
#1
Editor's Choice
Apple
iPhone 17
4.5
91/100
The iPhone 17 refines everything that made the 16 great — the A19 chip delivers tangible speed gains, the camera system adds a proper telephoto, and battery life is the best in a standard iPhone yet. It's the most popular phone in the US for good reason, and the best starting point for anyone in the Apple ecosystem.
Now that the iPhone 17 is out, the iPhone 16 has dropped in price and become the best value in Apple's lineup. The A18 chip is still exceptionally fast, the cameras are excellent, and buying refurbished brings the price down substantially. If you don't need the latest, this is the smarter buy.
The iPhone SE 4 brings the A18 chip — same as the iPhone 16 — in a $499 package. It's the best choice for families buying kids their first iPhone, for anyone upgrading from an older SE, or for iPhone loyalists on a tight budget. Parental controls in iOS are unmatched by any Android at any price.
