Not having a smartphone today is rough. Especially if you own, work for, or run a business of any kind. The problem is that most smartphones are just way too expensive (really). It seems normal to pay more than $100 for a phone, and anything under that mark tends to be a lesser option. That's what salespeople would have you believe, anyway.

It's not necessarily true, though. There are some great phones under $100 with a two-year contract included (as much as we hate contracts). If you've been searching high and low for a phone that won't break the bank, here are some excellent (and affordable) options.

Samsung Galaxy S3

This phone is carried by all major carriers within the United States. Even though the S3 has been on the market for a year or so, it's still a great phone. The S3 comes with an 8-megapixel camera; Android 4.1 Jelly Bean; and a decently fast processor. This phone is nice to hold, looks sleek, and also comes in under that $100 mark with a two-year contract.

HTC First

The HTC First is available with a two-year contract through AT&T. Billed as an extremely affordable and fast smartphone, the First doesn't get enough credit. If you decide to purchase this phone, you will get a 5-megapixel camera and Android Jelly Bean. This is also the phone for avid Facebook users with integrated Facebook Home.

iPhone 4S

Yes; there is an iPhone on this list! The 4S is now affordable, since the iPhone 5 is the latest model. You can snag the iPhone 4S from AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon for under $100 with a two-year contract. What can be said about this phone that hasn't already been covered? If you're rocking an iPhone 3S or 4, you can now update to a faster version of the iPhone for less than $100. That's not a bad deal at all.

LG Spectrum

Looking for a phone with a really big screen? The LG Spectrum is the one you want. This phone comes with Android 4.0; an 8-megapixel camera; and that super wide screen. LG's Spectrum has also received rave reviews from a number of consumers and reviewers. This phone's got chops.

No Contract Phones

T-Mobile has recently introduced "no contract" phones - a brilliant idea. If you're searching for a phone that doesn't come with a pesky two-year contract, look no further than T-Mobile. If you have T-Mobile in your area, it's hard to beat a no-contract plan (though some phones might cost more at the start).

There you have it: smartphones under $100 (with contract) that are awesome, work great, look great, and won't break the bank. You have to pay more than $100 for a decent smartphone that does it all - who says? I say you can snag any one of these phones, and you'll be more than thrilled with your new best phone friend. Did I miss any phones here? Want to add your phone to the list? Give me a shout, or send in a comment below.