Technologies

Avoid Border Control Snooping Your Private Info by Using a Burner Phone for Travel

Travelers entering the US should consider a simple phone that doesn’t have all your personal information. Here’s how.

Traveling out of the US and back is getting more complicated, with agents of US Customs and Border Patrol scanning personal devices more aggressively. Some businesses in Canada and the European Union are suggesting their employees bring «burner phones» into the country as a precaution to safeguard personal and sensitive information. Even if you’re a US citizen going on vacation, you may want to consider a simple phone to use for basic communication.

But a burner isn’t just for crossing borders. A phone that doesn’t include all of your personal information or has a simpler interface can be quite handy, such as cutting down on unsolicited calls or even avoiding distractions. Comedian Conan O’Brien recently praised his burner as a way to not get bogged down in instant messages and notifications.

Although carriers have offered prepaid phones since the ’90s, the term «burner phones» or «burners» essentially became popular in the 2000s due to its use in the celebrated HBO series The Wire, in which characters use burner phones to avoid getting caught by the police. Although often portrayed as such, burners are not only popular among criminals. With privacy concerns rising, you might consider using a burner phone yourself.

So, what exactly is a burner phone, and how does it work? Below, we explain everything you need to know about burners and how to get one.

What is a burner phone?

Simply put, a burner phone is a cheap prepaid phone with no commitments. It comes with a set number of prepaid call minutes, text messages, or data and is designed to be disposed of after use.

Burners are contract-free, and you can grab them off the counter. They’re called burner phones because you can «burn» them, i.e., trash them after use, and the phone cannot be traced back to you, which makes them appealing to criminals. Burner phones are typically used when you need a phone quickly, without intentions of long-term usage.

Burners are different from getting a regular, contract-bound cellphone plans that require a lot of your information to be on file.

Why should you use a burner phone?

Burner phones are an easy way to avoid pesky cellphone contracts or spam you may be getting on your primary phone number. Burners are not linked to your identity, so you can avoid getting tracked down or contacted if that’s what you need.

However, you don’t have to dispose of it after use — you can just add more minutes and continue using it. Burner phones can still function as regular phones, minus the hassle of getting a phone with a contract.

You can also get a burner phone as a secondary phone for a specific purpose, like having a spare phone number for two-factor authentication texts, for business purposes or to avoid roaming charges while traveling. You can get a burner phone for any privacy reasons you may have.

Read more: The Data Privacy Tips Digital Security Experts Wish You Knew

Burner phones, prepaid phones, smartphones and burner SIMs: What’s the difference?

Burner phones are typically cheap feature phones and usually don’t come with the bells and whistles of a smartphone. Since these are designed to be cheap and disposable, you only get the essentials and very simple designs. The flip phone is a common sight in the burner phone market.

All burner phones are prepaid phones, but not all prepaid phones are burners. What sets a burner apart is that you will not have to give away any personal information to get one, and it won’t be traceable back to you. Also, it will be cheap enough to be trashed after use.

Read more: Best Prepaid Phone of 2025

Prepaid smartphones are generally low-end models to begin with, and burners are the cheapest prepaid phones you can get. However, you can use any unlocked smartphone with prepaid SIM cards if you want to, essentially making it a prepaid phone.

If you want to get a burner, you don’t necessarily have to buy a new phone. You can get a burner SIM and use it with an existing phone as well. Burner SIMs are prepaid SIMs you can get without a contract or giving away personal information.

Where can you buy a burner phone?

Burner phones are available at all the major retail outlets. You can pick them up from Walmart, Target, Best Buy and other big retailers. They’re also often available at convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Rite Aid, local supermarkets, gas stations, and retail phone outlets like Cricket, Metro and others.

You can get a burner phone with cash; a typical burner should cost between $10 and $50. It may cost more if you get more minutes and data with the phone. If you’re getting a burner phone specifically to avoid having the phone traced back to you, it makes sense to pay with cash instead of a credit card.

If you just want a prepaid secondary phone, you can pay for one with a credit card. Credit cards will leave a paper trail that leads back to you, but that shouldn’t be an issue unless you really don’t want the burner phone linked back to you.

There are also many apps that let you get secondary phone numbers, including Google Fi and the Burner app. However, these cannot quite be called burners in the ideal sense, since these providers will typically have at least some of your personal information.

If you’re just looking to get a solid prepaid phone without anonymity, you can check out our full guide for the best prepaid phone plans available currently. We also have a guide for the best cheap phone plans you can get.

Technologies

PDP’s Victrix Pro BFG Is Hands Down the Best Pro Controller I’ve Used. Here’s Why

PDP’s top Xbox and PS5 controllers are pricey, but the high level of customization and overall design make them worth the money.

I would never claim to be anywhere near the level of a «pro» gamer, and I always thought high-end controllers like Sony’s DualSense Edge and Microsoft’s Xbox Elite were a bit overkill. I considered them great for the pros and streamers, but not worth the money for everyday gamers like me.

Then Turtle Beach, PDP’s parent company, sent me its Victrix Pro BFG controllers, and my eyes were opened. The controllers certainly haven’t turned me into a superstar gamer, but they’ve absolutely convinced me that they offer benefits for nonprofessionals that make the extra cost worthwhile. The granular levels of customization combined with the superb in-hand feel make for a highly compelling pro-level experience, making it one of the best console controllers I’ve tested.

What I like about the Victrix Pro BFG

The design is top-notch

For me, one of the most critical aspects of a controller, if not the most, is how it feels in my hand. I have small hands, so my palms and fingers need to sit comfortably on the controller and easily reach all the buttons. I also prefer solid, tactile feedback that lets me know my input registered. I use a mechanical keyboard during the day, so I’m simply used to reliable, clicky feedback from my devices.

The Victrix Pro BFG controller nails that aspect. When I unboxed it, I was a bit worried at first that it would be too big, but after a few hours with it, that worry vanished. It’s almost exactly the same size as a PlayStation DualSense controller and just slightly longer than an Xbox controller, but its ergonomics feel better in my hand. The added rubber grips on the handles also help. It weighs slightly more than either first-party controller at 298 grams (10.5 ounces), but I hardly noticed.

PDP makes two versions of the Victrix Pro BFG — one for Xbox and one for PlayStation — and both are officially licensed by Microsoft and Sony. The designs are mostly identical, with some minor functional exceptions. The only major difference is the touch panel on the PlayStation controller in place of the Xbox button. Unlike the Xbox controller, the PS version also has a PlayStation logo on the function button.

From a design perspective, I don’t think I’ll ever go back to a DualSense or Xbox controller. The Victrix Pro just feels so great to hold and use for prolonged periods. I gamed for hours with it and my hands never got tired, unlike they would with the DualSense controller.

Another nice bonus is that the Victrix Pro BFG’s battery life is solid as well. It beats the DualSense Edge controller handily (which isn’t hard to do) with a 2,000mAh battery and a stated 20-hour play time. That lines up with my testing. The Elite Series 2 controller gets closer to 30 hours of battery life, so it may not quite get there, but 20 hours is still respectable.

Customization is the name of the game

While I love the design of the Pro BFG controllers, their functionality is what truly sets them apart from almost every other controller out there. It’s not too uncommon now to see controllers that let you replace the sticks and possibly the D-pad, but PDP lets you swap out entire control modules, giving you deep levels of customization across the whole controller.

Two modules can be swapped out: the left module houses the left stick and D-pad, while the right module houses the right stick and X, Y, A, B (or PlayStation) buttons. Using the included screwdriver, you can physically remove the entire module. You can rotate them to change the position or even replace them.

PDP includes a fightpad module with each controller, which swaps the right analog stick and buttons with a six-button layout designed for fighting games. These buttons are flat and slightly larger, and also add RB and LB buttons for quicker reach.

Extra modules are sold separately with Hall Effect triggers and buttons so that you can upgrade your gameplay even more. And they include two additional D-pad layouts, two additional thumb sticks and two different gates for the thumb sticks.

For connectivity, there’s an included USB-C cable and a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle, and the Xbox version also has Bluetooth. Both models will work with PCs, but the Xbox version also works with compatible Bluetooth devices. The Xbox controller supports the Series X and S, Xbox One and Windows 10/11 PCs, while the PlayStation controller supports the PS4, PS5 and Windows 10/11 PCs.

Not only can you customize most of the buttons physically, but you can also remap them via the Victrix Control Hub for Xbox and PC. In the app, you can map nearly every button to a different input and diagnose and calibrate any issues with the buttons, joysticks or triggers. It can also store up to three different profiles on the controller to quickly switch your layout between games. For example, jumping between game modes and maps on a game like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, or even loading up an entirely different game.

The Pro BFG has a five-position trigger stop to set the depth wherever you want. This was huge for me as it drastically reduced my response time and improved my performance in Halo Infinite, Black Ops 6 and other shooters. I instantly noticed a big difference in my gameplay after I adjusted them.

Lastly, both controllers have solid audio enhancements. The Xbox controller supports Dolby Atmos, while the PS version supports Sony 3D audio on PS5. They both have low-latency audio and support for EQ profiles and customization.

What I don’t like about the Victrix Pro BFG

For all that I like about these controllers, they aren’t perfect. The first thing I noticed was that the PC app is a bit buggy. It also looks like it was designed for mobile devices, as the UI is big and spread out, and feels a little like an app that’s still in beta.

The only other downside for me was trying to use the Hall Effect module in the right slot of the Xbox controller. Once installed, it bugged out pretty hard and acted like I was constantly pulling the left trigger. This seems to be a known issue, though, going back at least several months, so who knows if or when it will ever get fixed.

Worth every penny

I consider myself somewhere between a casual and hard-core gamer. I’m a bit more advanced than someone who just logs on occasionally to kill a few brain cells, but I’m far from a pro — or even particularly good. And I can say that every aspect of my gaming was improved when using the Pro BFG.

The feel in the hand, the immense customization options and even the simple addition of back buttons have made playing games much more enjoyable. The BFG isn’t cheap, but it is competitively priced — at least the base package is. At $180, it’s more affordable than the DualSense Edge, only about $20 more than the Elite Series 2 and cheaper than many other pro-level gaming controllers. However, most of the latest pro-style controllers, like Razer’s Wolverine V3 Pro, come standard with Hall Effect sticks and triggers, which can increase longevity and keep drift in check. You’ll have to pay an extra $40 for the module to add that feature to the Pro BFG.

You’re paying a little more for the modularity, but if you want to improve your gaming experience, the PDP Victrix Pro BFG is absolutely worth it.

Technologies

iPhone 17 Cameras Might Get Improved Video Skills. As a Creator, I’m Excited

The iPhone 17 Pro could be great for YouTubers and content creators. Here’s what Apple needs to do.

The iPhone 16 Pro is already an extremely powerful tool for both photographers and videographers alike, thanks to its stellar rear cameras and ProRes Log video support. However, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman — an Apple analyst with a reliable track record — writes that for the iPhone 17 Pro line, Apple «will stress improvements to video recording» in a move to «get the vlogging community away from stand alone cameras.» As a YouTube creator and professional photographer myself, I’m intrigued.

Sadly, Gurman hasn’t offered any details on what these video improvements might be. And to be fair to Apple, it’s already leading the way with some of its video production capabilities. The combination of ProRes recording and Log color profiles on the last couple of iPhone Pro models has made them not just great video cameras for everyday vloggers, but powerful enough to be the primary cameras for Hollywood films. Samsung clearly took note of Apple’s video dominance in the creative space as it equipped the recent S25 Ultra with Log color, too.

Given the already top-end video skills of the iPhones, it’s difficult to know exactly what Apple might do to make its devices even more appealing to content creators. I produce videos for CNET and I operate a YouTube channel, so I spend a lot of my time shooting video and vlogging on a variety of equipment from mirrorless cameras like my Canon R5 and BlackMagic Cinema Camera to more mobile options like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. Yet I rarely use my iPhone 16 Pro as part of my production. So, why don’t I?

In all honesty, there’s no specific reason beyond that I feel I have my bases adequately covered by what’s already available. When I want cinematic production quality, I use my main cameras. When I want a lightweight mobile setup for photowalk vlogging, I use my Osmo. So I’m left wondering what Apple would need to do to make me leave my Osmo at home and head out to shoot my YouTube videos using just my phone. I do have a couple of thoughts.

First, it needs to make the main camera app easier to use with Bluetooth microphones. While the iPhone’s built-in microphones are decent enough in quiet environments, external mics can offer more professional sound quality with better wind resistance. They allow you to stand further away from your camera while capturing crystal clear sound.

While it’s possible to pair the DJI Mic 2 with the iPhone, I’ve only been able to get it to work when using the BlackMagic Camera app, but not in the iPhone’s default camera app. It’s possible that Apple will try to push the AirPods Pro 2 as the better option for creators, but I don’t like wearing headphones when vlogging, so this isn’t a workaround I’d be happy with.

I also want to see Apple offer more editing options for its Log footage on the phone. Log video looks grey and low contrast by default as you typically take that footage into editing software like Adobe Premiere or DaVinci Resolve and adjust the colors and contrast to suit — a process called color grading. But that adds a lot of time and effort.

If Apple wants its high-level video skills to appeal to fast-paced YouTubers and social media creators, adding color presets (often called LUTs) to the iPhone’s video editing workflow would be a welcome addition.

I’m definitely excited to see what Apple has in store for the iPhone 17’s cameras. As someone who spends a lot of time producing videos, I’m keen to see whether its new updates will be enough to tempt me away from my own tried-and-tested setup.

Technologies

No Caller ID vs. Unknown Caller on iPhone: The Key Difference

Here’s how to protect yourself from anonymous calls.

Getting calls from an unknown source can be unsettling, especially if you’re trying to dodge scams or avoid talking to someone you can’t identify immediately. But there are two different ways those unspecified numbers can be labeled on your iPhone: No Caller ID and Unknown Caller. So, what’s the difference?

Here’s what to know about each label and how to keep yourself safe from potential caller scams.

No Caller ID vs. Unknown Caller

A call labeled «No Caller ID» means the caller has blocked their number from appearing on your screen. In other words, they want to keep their identity under wraps. This can be a privacy measure, but it’s also a tool used by scammers — if you can’t quickly verify who the caller is based on their number, it can be easier to fall for their trap.

«Unknown Caller,» on the other hand, is the message that appears when your phone service provider doesn’t recognize who’s calling. This can come down to several factors, including network or technical issues, or receiving calls from foreign numbers. Oftentimes, these callers aren’t intentionally trying to hide their identity, but it’s still a good idea to be cautious. Scammers can also use this method to hide their identity by using a phone that isn’t registered with the phone company, for instance.

What to do if you get anonymous calls

You should always proceed with caution if you can’t identify a caller. This is especially important if someone rings you and «No Caller ID» appears on the screen, as they have intentionally kept their number hidden. But an Unknown Caller is also something to be wary of, since it becomes harder to truly identify who’s at the other end of the line.

Letting the call go to voicemail is often a good idea. Answering a call signals to scammers that your number is active, which could lead to more similar calls in the future. The Live Voicemail feature is particularly helpful for these situations because it allows you to pick up the call if the voicemail transcript indicates it’s someone you want to speak with.

Silence unknown callers on your iPhone

You can even go a step further and silence unknown callers on your iPhone. That way, those mystery callers won’t disturb you, and they can just leave a voicemail for you to check later.

In your iPhone, go to Settings, then tap Apps followed by Phone and go to Silence Unknown Callers. Hit the toggle to turn it on.

Use apps to block unidentified calls

Though there isn’t a way to block these anonymous calls within your iPhone’s settings, your wireless carrier may offer apps to help with this.

AT&T ActiveArmor, for instance, has a free version that blocks spam and fraud calls, and also lets you block all unknown callers. The advanced version, which costs $4 a month, includes tools like reverse number lookup and caller ID for unknown numbers. ActiveArmor is available for iOS and Android.

Verizon’s Call Filter app also offers spam detection, a spam filter and the option to report numbers, all for free. For an additional $4 a month, you’ll also get caller ID, spam lookup, a personal block list and a spam risk meter. Call Filter is automatically enabled for Android users on a postpaid plan, and is available in the App Store for iPhone.

T-Mobile’s Scam Shield has a free option that includes full caller ID, scam reporting and scam blocking. There’s also a premium option for $4 a month per line, which offers reverse phone number lookup and voicemail transcriptions that are automatically texted to you. You can download the Scam Shield app in the App Store or Google Play.

Be sure to check with other wireless carriers to see if they offer something similar. Some wireless carrier plans may include access to the premium features as well.

For more third-party apps to help limit robocalls and general tips, check out our guide on stopping spam calls.