Can you get a Pixel 8a for free? Yes, or at least close

The Google Pixel8 is one of the most popular Android phones available today, but what if it's just a hair that's out of your price range? That's where the newly announced Google Pixel 8a comes in. With the power of the Tensor G3 and a price tag of just $499, this looks to be a great affordable phone. If that's still too much for you, the good news is that there are several ways to get the Pixel 8a for free, or at least close to it.

You know the saying: there's no such thing as a free lunch. There's no 100% free way to get a Pixel 8a aside from getting lucky and winning one somewhere, but if you're willing to go through your carrier there is a way to get it extremely cheap or even completely free as long as you don't mind a few strings attached.

Normally you need a specific phone plan or a trade-in to get a free device. You must also maintain a line for at least 24 months, although most carriers have now moved to 36-month commitments. If you leave early, you will have to pay for your phone when you leave. Below we take a look at the providers and sellers that give you the Google Pixel 8a for free or almost free.

T-Mobile

Unfortunately, T-Mobile doesn't have a free Pixel 8a offer, although you can buy it right now from the carrier for $499.99 in advance or via a payment plan. Do you want a free Pixel, but are you on T-Mobile's network? T-Mobile offers the Pixel 8 free with the Go5G Next or Go5G Plus subscriptions. Existing customers will have to trade in their old device to take advantage of this offer, while new subscribers can get the smaller device for free without a trade-in when opting for the same plans. Please note that this offer requires a 24-month commitment. Frankly, the Pixel 8 is a better device and has a lot of life left in it, so we'd take you up on this offer if you're a T-Mobile subscriber.

Verizon customers can get the Pixel 8a for free without a trade-in, but they must commit to a 36-month payment plan. Don't worry, you don't actually pay anything because you'll receive billing credits to offset the costs. If you leave before the payment term has expired, you will of course be responsible for paying off the remaining balance. Unlike many free Verizon deals that require a specific subscription level, this offer applies to all MyPlan options. In addition to the free phone, Verizon is also offering a six-month Disney Plus bundle to Plus or Ultimate subscribers.

AT&T

The Pixel 8a takes you back $5.99 per month, no trade-in necessary. That's not completely free, but with a trade-in you may be able to bring the price down even further to the point where you pay little or even nothing. That's also a discount off the regular retail price, which is usually $14.45 per month.

Google Fi Wireless

Google Fi customers get $300 back when they make a purchase a new Pixel 8a with a new line, which reduces your 24-month payments by $12.50 if you sign up for a payment plan. Again, this isn't an entirely free deal, but it means you'll only pay a few dollars per month if you sign up for a device payment plan.