Is it better to buy the iPhone 5S with or without a contract?

*benefits*
On one hand, you pay less with a contract.
On the other hand, if you don't do the 2 year contract, you can upgrade to the next iPhone when it comes out (most likely the iPhone 6).

*downsides*
With the two year contract, you can't upgrade until your contract is up.
Without, you pay about 3-4 times as much

*by the way, I'm eligible for an upgrade*

Added (1). @Michael I would do that, but I have an iPhone 4. I think it's about time I upgrade my phone, lol. It's kind of outdated…

Without!

Personally I wouldn't go with I phone anymore they are just going down hill…

Just wait another year for the 6 it'll be more worth it than the 5S

Since the phone is cheaper, it's better to buy with a contract, unless you think there's a good chance you'll want to replace your phone or switch to a different phone company before your contract is finished.

(But you could always sell your phone and use that cash to help buy another one at full price before your contract is finished, so you wouldn't have to wait for an upgrade or break/restart your contract.)

Another thing that most people don't think about - when you're in a contract, obviously some percentage of your monthly payment goes towards paying for the rest of your phone (otherwise they wouldn't give you a discount on the phone and then lock you in for 2 years). But guess what? You pay the same monthly bill even if you don't have a contract, so the longer you go without a contract, the worse a deal you get.

Ahh, I think you may just get it with the contract. It would save you some bucks and a two years time is not so long to deal with such a great phone.