10 Best places to buy refurbished iPhones in 2024

With a new iPhone series launching every year, you must want to upgrade to latest model. However, its high cost may not fit in your budget. Here, refurbished iPhones come into play; they’re functional and affordable. Let’s explore the best 10 places to buy a second-hand or refurbished iPhone. 

Before that, let’s understand what refurbished means and things you need to check before buying a refurbished iPhone to make an informed choice.

• Things to consider while buying refurbished iPhone
• Best places to buy refurbished or second-hand iPhone
• Difference between used and refurbished iPhones

Things to consider while buying refurbished iPhone 

Refurbished iPhones are not faulty devices. They have been checked and certified to ensure it’s working well. The previous owner might have returned the iPhone due to minor defects, cosmetic issues like dents and scratches, or an upgrade.

However, consider the following to ensure a safe purchase.

• Source: Purchase from reputable sellers such as Apple’s official refurbished store or well-known retailers. Read reviews from other buyers who have purchased refurbished devices from the same source. 
• Warranty: Ensure the device comes with a warranty. So you can get proper assistance in case of any issues. 
• Certification: Look for quality checking certification of the device to ensure good working conditions.  
• Return policy: Check the seller’s return policy if the device doesn’t meet your expectations. 
• Authenticity: Verify it’s not a stolen or counterfeit product. 
• Cosmetic condition: Check the cosmetic imperfections and ensure they don’t affect the performance. 
• Battery life: You must get a refurbished iPhone that can recharge 80% to 90% of its maximum battery life. 
• Compatibility: Ensure the device’s compatibility with your carrier. 
• Future considerations: Consider the long-term needs like future software support and compatibility with upcoming technologies. 

While refurbished iPhones can be a great value, there’s always some inherent risk. Conduct thorough research and purchase from reliable sources to minimize that risk. Read our detailed guide to know the prerequisites to buy a second-hand iPhone.

Best places to buy refurbished or second-hand iPhone

1. Gazelle

Gazelle is the most reputed platform for buying refurbished iPhones at a meager price. They buy smartphones from individuals, repair them through a 30-point inspection program, and sell them after quality assurance.

Many refurbished iPhones are available in various colors, carriers, and sizes. You will also get free shipping and monthly payment modes. But remember, it only offers a return policy of 30 days. Besides, you can sell your used iPhones and other Apple devices at a reasonable price.

Check out on: Gazelle

2. Apple Refurbished Store 

What is the best place to buy a used iPhone besides Apple’s official Refurbished Store? Apple experts thoroughly inspect and repair second-hand iPhones to meet quality standards. The best part is you will receive your refurbished iPhone in new Apple-branded packaging, a new battery, and an exterior shell.

Besides, Apple offers a one-year limited warranty and the option to add another year of AppleCare coverage. Additionally, you will get free next-day shipping and a 14-day return period.

However, premium quality comes with a hefty price tag. This store’s pricing is more significant than all refurbished iPhone sites.

Check out on: Apple Refurbished Store

3. Amazon Renewed 

Amazon Renewed is a flourishing site for buying refurbished phones at exclusive deals. They also include accessories with every refurbished iPhone box. Besides, you will get a 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee and return policy. Moreover, most iPhones qualify for Prime delivery.

Check out on: Amazon Renewed

4. Back Market

Back Market lets you select from various conditions for the refurbished iPhone, depending on your budget. Also, it provides expert checking certification, a 1-year warranty, a free 30-day return policy, and monthly installment plans.

Refurbished iPhone sellers on the Back Market must pass a stringent screening procedure and satisfy their quality standards. If the iPhone battery has under 500 cycles and less than 80% of its original capacity, it must be replaced.

Check out on: Back Market

5. Best Buy 

Best Buy is a renowned and trusted seller of open-box, unlocked, and pre-owned iPhones. It offers good-conditioned used iPhones with freebies and a whopping discount. You will get 3 months of Apple TV+, 4 months of Apple Music, and 4 months of Apple News+ subscriptions for free.

Besides, you may choose between free shipping or quick pickup for added convenience. It also provides some warranty (limited 90 days) on products, which makes Best Buy quite reliable.

Check out on: Best Buy

6. OzMobiles

OzMobiles store has a wide range of inexpensively priced refurbished iPhones and other gadgets. They buy used iPhones locally and restore them to their full working potential through a Blancco-certified 72-point quality testing process.

Besides, OzMobiles offers a Battery Life Guarantee and ensures every refurbished iPhone has at least 80% battery capacity. So, you don’t have to be concerned about the battery condition of your refurbished iPhones.

Additionally, you will get a free 12-month warranty and a 30-day risk-free return policy.

Check out on: OzMobiles

7. decluttr

Decluttr sells refurbished iPhones with the same performance and functionality as a new one. It follows a thorough internal refurbishing process, including 90 quality inspections.

Besides, you will get up to $100 discount on all items. Again, Decluttr offers free shipping with a live tracking facility and a 12-month limited warranty.

Check out on: decluttr

8. eBay 

eBay offers a massive catalog of refurbished iPhones to buy at impressive discounts. It basically acts as a marketplace for second-hand iPhone dealers.

So, eBay doesn’t provide any product quality assurance or warranty. You can check product ratings and seller reviews. However, do your research before finalizing a deal.

Check out on: eBay

9. Swappa

Swappa offers an extensive collection of used and refurbished iPhones with various discounts. But you must shop carefully to grab the best deal.

Also, it provides PayPal purchase protection for the buyers to avoid fraud. The best thing is you will get detailed product guides and built-in comparisons to choose the right one.

Check out on: Swappa

10. RefurbMe

RefurbMe is a marketplace where you will get all the trusted and certified refurbished iPhone sellers in one place. So, you can compare prices and get up to 75% savings.

RefurbMe ensures all the vendors offer a warranty and hassle-free return policy. Therefore, you don’t need to do extensive research.

Check out on: RefurbMe

Bonus: Buy from respective carriers

Many well-known carrier providers like Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T sell certified pre-owned iPhones with discounts. So, you must go through them once to steal the deal.

But note that you will only get carrier-locked iPhones. Therefore, take a close look at the “conditions” before purchasing.

Difference between used and refurbished iPhones

While buying second-hand iPhones, you may see different labels, like refurbished or pre-owned. So, it’s crucial to differentiate between used and refurbished iPhones to make an informed decision. The table below outlines the key distinctions:

	Used iPhones	Refurbished iPhones
Condition	Varies, may show signs of wear and tear	Thoroughly tested, repaired, and replaced faulty parts
Quality assurance	Not guaranteed	Certified by manufacturer or trusted third-party
Warranty	Usually no warranty	Often comes with a warranty for added confidence
Performance	Uncertain, may have hidden issues	Tested and restored to optimal performance
Cosmetic	May have scratches or cosmetic flaws	Generally improved, minor cosmetic imperfections
Price	Cheaper due to unknown condition	Slightly more expensive for assured quality

Buy iPhones without breaking the bank!

Refurbished iPhones are a smart and budget-conscious alternative to get the taste of the latest premium ones.

By understanding the nuances of refurbished devices, considering essential factors, and exploring reputable platforms, you can confidently make a choice that aligns with your needs and preferences. Let us know if you still have any doubts!

Explore more…

• How to check if your iPhone is original or not: Quick ways to identify
• Best places to buy refurbished Apple Watch 
• Best places to buy a refurbished MacBook

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