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Best Places to Buy Refurbished iPhones in 2026: 7 Sellers Compared

The best places to buy a refurbished iPhone in the US are Back Market, Amazon Renewed, Gazelle, eBay Refurbished and Apple Certified Refurbished, plus Mac of All Trades and Best Buy. On October 28, 2026, Back Market had the cheapest listing on five of the six models we checked, each a carrier-locked unit.

Top picks, with today's prices

  1. Closest to factory new Refurbished iPhone by Apple Store
    from $659 Excellent · 1 seller
    See all 35 offers
  2. from $105 Excellent · 1 seller
    See all 112 offers
  3. Strict seller vetting Refurbished iPhone by Back Market
    from $86 carrier-locked · Fair · 1 seller
    See all 1,559 offers

See all 7, ranked Prices checked Oct 5, 12:05 PM EDT.

In this article
  1. The best places to buy refurbished iPhones at a glance
  2. 1. Apple Certified Refurbished$659
  3. 2. Amazon Renewed$105
  4. 3. Back Market$86 carrier-locked
  5. 4. Best Buy
  6. 5. Gazelle$95
  7. 6. Mac of All Trades$455 carrier-locked
  8. 7. eBay Refurbished$99
  9. Compare them all on RefurbMe$86 carrier-locked
  10. What to check before buying a refurbished iPhone
  11. How much does a refurbished iPhone cost in 2026?
  12. Which refurbished iPhone should you buy in 2026?
  13. How we chose these sellers
  14. Looking for other refurbished Apple products?
  15. FAQ
  16. Conclusion
Best Places to Buy Refurbished iPhones in 2026: 7 Sellers Compared

We evaluated all seven sellers on inspection rigor, warranty length and returns, and compared live prices wherever RefurbMe tracks the seller (it does not track Best Buy). On unlocked phones the cheapest seller changed with the model: Back Market on the iPhone 16 Pro, Amazon Renewed on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro, Gazelle on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14, and a tie between Back Market and eBay Refurbished on the iPhone 13. Back Market includes a 1-year warranty and 30-day returns. eBay Refurbished includes the longest standard warranty we found, one or two years depending on the condition, with 30-day free returns. If you want manufacturer-level quality and peace of mind, Apple Certified Refurbished is the safest choice. If you want to compare every seller in one place and find the lowest price for a specific model, use RefurbMe.

On October 28, 2026, the cheapest refurbished iPhone 16 RefurbMe tracked in the US was a 128 GB unit locked to AT&T at $474 at Back Market, 41% below Apple's $799 launch price. The cheapest unlocked iPhone 16 was $534 at Amazon Renewed, with Back Market at $541 and eBay Refurbished at $551. Gazelle's cheapest unlocked unit, at $545, was last seen October 23. We compared price only and did not check each listing's grade. Apple's own refurbished iPhone store had no iPhone 16 that day, and its cheapest refurbished iPhone was a 128 GB iPhone 15 Plus at $659. The iPhone 15 started at $347 at Back Market (locked to AT&T), and unlocked at $374 at Gazelle. For a complete history of every iPhone model, see our iPhone release dates & generations page. With the refurbished electronics market projected to exceed $140 billion by 2028, competition keeps driving prices lower. Here is how each seller stacks up.

According to RefurbMe's tracking, a new iPhone model reaches the US refurbished market a median of 67 days after Apple announces it, against 45 days in the UK and 289 days in Canada (as of October 28, 2026). That figure, which we call Time-to-Refurb, is the median gap between Apple's announcement of a model and the first refurbished listing we record for it. Across every iPhone we track in the US, the median Refurb Discount is 77%; older models pull that median up, so it does not mean a current iPhone sells at 77% off.

Not sure which model to buy? See our guide to the best refurbished iPhones for ranked recommendations by budget, or browse refurbished iPhones under $100 if you are on a tight budget. If your question is when rather than which, we cover timing your purchase around Apple's release cycle separately. And if you are holding out for the newest models, we estimate when a refurbished iPhone Duo or 18 Pro will appear and what the first units should cost.

The best places to buy refurbished iPhones at a glance

Rows are sorted by the cheapest unlocked refurbished iPhone 16 RefurbMe tracked at each seller in the US on October 28, 2026 (any capacity; listing grades not checked). A seller whose cheapest unit was last seen before October 26 comes after the sellers with current listings. The numbered sections below are grouped by seller, not ranked by price.

Refurbisher Testing Warranty and returns Lowest unlocked iPhone 16 (Oct 28, 2026) Best for
Amazon Renewed Battery tested to 80%+ (90%+ for Premium) 90-day returns on most items; 365-day returns for Premium $534 Prime members, wide model selection
Back Market Vetted sellers, battery health at least 80% 1-year limited warranty, 30-day returns $541 (locked to AT&T from $474) Lowest prices, especially on carrier-locked units
eBay Refurbished Vetted sellers, graded conditions (Certified to Good) 1 or 2 years (Allstate), 30-day free returns $551 Longest included warranty
Gazelle 55-point inspection 30-day returns; optional 1-year WarrantyLife plan $545 (last seen Oct 23) Unlocked phones, no contracts
Apple Certified Refurbished Full Apple testing, new battery and outer shell 1 year (extendable with AppleCare), 14-day returns No iPhone 16 in stock; Apple advertises savings up to 15% Buyers who want near-new quality
Mac of All Trades Multi-point inspection, cosmetic grading 30-day warranty, 30-day returns (10% restocking fee on refunds) No iPhone 16 in stock US buyers wanting contract-free devices
Best Buy Geek Squad certified functional testing 14-day returns on phones, members included Not tracked by RefurbMe In-store pickup and inspection
RefurbMe Compares the tracked sellers above At least 30 days of returns or warranty; 1 year or more at Apple, Back Market and eBay Refurbished Finds the lowest price Comparing prices across sellers

Buying in Canada or the UK?

The lineup changes by market. In Canada, RefurbMe compares Apple, Amazon Renewed, Orchard, and eBay Refurbished; Back Market, Gazelle, and Mac of All Trades are not part of it. On October 28, 2026, Amazon Renewed was the only seller with a refurbished iPhone 16 in Canada, an unlocked 128 GB unit at CA$827. Apple, Orchard and eBay Refurbished had none in stock. In the UK, RefurbMe compares Apple, Amazon Renewed, Back Market, eBay Refurbished, MusicMagpie, TLX, Reboxed, Tech Trade, Grade Mobile and Loop Mobile. That day the cheapest UK iPhone 16 was £459 at Back Market, ahead of £479 at eBay Refurbished and £480 at Reboxed. Apple's own UK refurbished store had a 128 GB iPhone 16 at £659.

1. Apple Certified Refurbished

Screenshot of the Apple Certified Refurbished store with iPhones

Apple sets the standard for refurbished quality. Every iPhone sold through its Certified Refurbished program undergoes the same testing and certification process as a factory-new device. You get a phone that is functionally identical to new, with a brand-new battery and outer shell included. The tradeoff: Apple's refurbished prices are the highest among all sellers. Apple's own refurbished store advertises savings of up to 15% off retail, well short of what third-party sellers offer.

The lineup keeps rotating: on October 28, 2026, Apple's US refurbished iPhone store listed iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and iPhone 16 Plus units, and no iPhone 16. The cheapest unit was a 128 GB iPhone 15 Plus at $659. A 128 GB iPhone 15 Pro cost $679 at Apple. The same model started at $505 unlocked at Amazon Renewed. Apple's refurbished inventory rotates often, so treat any price quoted here as a dated snapshot rather than a fixed floor.

Testing process

Apple refurbishes its iPhones in-house. The company tests, certifies, and repairs each device before repackaging it in branded Apple packaging with a brand-new battery and outer shell. This is manufacturer refurbished at its best.

Warranty & shipping

Apple includes a one-year limited warranty with every refurbished iPhone, and you can extend coverage by purchasing AppleCare+. Refurbished products ship with free shipping and returns, and you have 14 calendar days to return an item from the date you received it.

Our verdict

Apple Certified Refurbished is the best choice if quality is your top priority. No other seller gives you a brand-new battery, brand-new outer shell, and a one-year warranty at the same time. The tradeoff is price: you pay a premium for that assurance. Best for buyers who want near-new quality and are willing to accept Apple's advertised savings of up to 15% off retail rather than the deeper cuts third-party sellers list.

Products & pricing

Refurbished iPhone by Apple Store
from $659 in Excellent Refurbished iPhone by Apple Store · 12 configurations at 1 seller. Checked Oct 5, 12:05 PM EDT.
See all 35 offers

2. Amazon Renewed

Screenshot of the Amazon Renewed store with refurbished iPhones

Amazon Renewed pairs convenience with savings. With hundreds of millions of active customers, its refurbished program offers one of the largest selections of iPhones at any price point. On October 28, 2026, Amazon Renewed had the cheapest unlocked iPhone 16 we tracked, at $534 for 128 GB, and the cheapest unlocked iPhone 15 Pro, at $505. Its iPhone 15 started at $396 and its iPhone 14 at $295, both unlocked.

Amazon tests the battery of every Renewed phone to at least 80% of its original capacity, and to at least 90% for Renewed Premium listings, which also come with a 365-day return period.

Testing process

Amazon certifies its renewed (refurbished) iPhones to work and look like new. Devices arrive in generic packaging, typically including the accessories you would expect with a new model. Any exceptions are listed on the product page.

Warranty & shipping

Most Renewed items carry a 90-day return period under the Amazon Renewed Guarantee. Renewed Premium items get a 365-day return period, and select Renewed items instead pair Amazon's 30-day return period with a free 11-month limited warranty serviced by Asurion; the product page says which applies. Most items are eligible for Prime shipping.

Our verdict

Amazon Renewed is the strongest pick for Prime members who want a wide selection without giving up buyer protection. The Renewed Premium tier, with its 365-day return period and 90% battery floor, raises the bar. Standard Renewed is fine for budget shoppers comfortable with a 90-day window. Avoid sellers with low ratings even on Amazon: check the seller score before buying.

Products & pricing

Refurbished iPhone by Amazon Renewed
from $105 in Excellent Refurbished iPhone by Amazon Renewed · 58 configurations at 1 seller. Checked Oct 5, 12:05 PM EDT.
See all 112 offers

3. Back Market

Screenshot of Back Market with refurbished iPhones

Back Market is one of the strongest places to start for refurbished iPhone pricing, though which seller holds the lowest listing shifts daily with stock and condition, so compare live before you buy. The platform connects buyers with vetted refurbishers and enforces strict quality controls that set it apart from open marketplaces like Swappa or eBay's general listings. On October 28, 2026, Back Market's cheapest in-stock iPhone 15 (128 GB) was $347, and its cheapest iPhone 13 was $200. Both were locked to AT&T. Our full Back Market review covers how its seller vetting works.

Testing process

Sellers on Back Market must pass a rigorous selection process and meet ongoing quality requirements. The platform tracks seller performance in real time. Every smartphone sold on Back Market arrives with a battery health of at least 80%, and Premium-grade phones with at least 90%.

Warranty & shipping

All Back Market products include a 30-day return period and a 1-year limited warranty provided by the seller. Back Market also offers the option to pay in installments.

Our verdict

Back Market is our pick for buyers who want a large, vetted catalog backed by a full year of warranty. The 1-year warranty, the 80% battery floor, and rigorous seller vetting make it a strong value. On October 28, 2026, a refurbished iPhone 16 started at $474 here (a 128 GB unit locked to AT&T; unlocked from $541). Counting carrier-locked units, Back Market had the cheapest listing on every model we checked except the iPhone 15 Pro, where its $509 unlocked unit trailed Amazon Renewed's $505. On unlocked units alone it led the iPhone 16 Pro at $616 and tied eBay Refurbished on the iPhone 13 at $247. Best for deal-focused buyers who are comfortable buying online from a vetted marketplace.

Products & pricing

Refurbished iPhone by Back Market
from $86 carrier-locked in Fair Refurbished iPhone by Back Market · 106 configurations at 1 seller. Checked Oct 5, 12:05 PM EDT.
See all 1,559 offers

4. Best Buy

Best Buy refurbished iPhones section

Best Buy brings something most online-only sellers cannot: physical stores. You can inspect a refurbished iPhone in person before buying, and return it to any location if something is wrong. Their Geek Squad Certified program handles the refurbishment process. RefurbMe does not track Best Buy's listings, so we have no live Best Buy price to compare with the other sellers here.

Testing process

Geek Squad Certified refurbished iPhones go through functional testing and cosmetic grading. Each device is verified to meet Best Buy's quality standards before being listed for sale. Condition grades range from Excellent to Fair, with clear descriptions of what to expect.

Warranty & shipping

Best Buy gives 14 days to return a refurbished iPhone. Its 60-day window for My Best Buy Plus and Total members does not cover phones: activatable devices get 14 days for every customer, and returning one costs a $45 restocking fee in most states. For extended coverage, you can add Geek Squad Protection, which covers hardware failures and accidental damage for a monthly or annual fee. Most refurbished iPhones ship free, and in-store pickup is available at hundreds of locations.

Our verdict

Best Buy is the right choice if you want to hold the phone before buying. The ability to walk into a store, inspect the device, and return it locally is a genuine advantage over online-only sellers. The 14-day return window is short for online buyers, but the in-person experience and brand trust make it worthwhile for those who live near a store. Since we do not track its prices, check them against the live comparison before you buy.

Products & pricing

Best Buy's refurbished iPhone inventory varies by location and availability. Check their website or visit a store near you for current stock.


5. Gazelle

Screenshot of Gazelle with refurbished iPhones

Gazelle, founded in 2006, is one of the longest-running certified pre-owned phone sellers in the US. The company built its name on a straightforward buying experience: no contracts, no commitments, and a clear return policy. In October 2026, Gazelle listed models as recent as the iPhone 17 Pro Max and iPhone 17e, mostly unlocked.

Testing process

Every Gazelle-certified device passes a 55-point inspection program. This testing process covers hardware functionality, cosmetic condition, and battery health, giving buyers confidence in the device they receive.

Warranty & shipping

Gazelle ships free and gives 30-day returns: returns must be made within 30 days of your order delivery date. Longer cover is optional. Gazelle sells a one-year WarrantyLife device protection plan at checkout, with a $50 deductible per claim.

Our verdict

Gazelle is a reliable choice for buyers who want an unlocked iPhone without navigating a marketplace. The 20-year track record, straightforward grading, and free shipping are genuine strengths. Cover is the weakest point: past the 30-day return window you need the paid WarrantyLife plan, while eBay Refurbished and Back Market both include at least a year. On October 28, 2026, Gazelle had the cheapest unlocked iPhone 15 we tracked, at $374, and the cheapest unlocked iPhone 14, at $262. Its cheapest unlocked iPhone 16 ($545) and iPhone 16 Pro ($647) were last seen October 23 and October 22, so check they are still in stock.

Products & pricing

Refurbished iPhone by Gazelle
from $95 in Fair Refurbished iPhone by Gazelle · 54 configurations at 1 seller. Checked Oct 5, 12:05 PM EDT.
See all 232 offers

6. Mac of All Trades

Mac of All Trades specializes in refurbished Apple devices, including iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, and iMacs. Based in the US, the company has been selling refurbished Apple products for over 15 years. Their iPhone inventory skews toward unlocked models with no carrier contracts, making them a solid option for buyers who want flexibility. RefurbMe tracks Mac of All Trades' iPhone stock, but on October 28, 2026 it had no iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro in stock.

Testing process

Every device goes through a multi-point inspection covering functionality, cosmetics, and battery performance. Mac of All Trades assigns each iPhone a condition grade so buyers know exactly what to expect before purchasing.

Warranty & shipping

Mac of All Trades includes a 30-day warranty and a 30-day return policy, and refunds are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Optional CPS warranty plans of one, two, three or five years are available on many products at an additional cost.

Our verdict

Mac of All Trades is a solid option for US buyers who want a straightforward, no-carrier-lock purchase from a specialist retailer with over 15 years in the Apple refurbished market. The 30-day warranty is on the shorter end, but the optional extended plans through CPS provide a path to longer coverage. Best for buyers who prefer dealing with a dedicated Apple reseller rather than a broad marketplace.

Products & pricing

Refurbished iPhone by Mac of All Trades
from $455 carrier-locked in Excellent Refurbished iPhone by Mac of All Trades · 5 configurations at 1 seller. Checked Oct 5, 10:24 AM EDT.
See all 6 offers

7. eBay Refurbished

eBay Refurbished is eBay's vetted refurbished program, separate from the open eBay marketplace where anyone can list a phone. Listings carry a graded condition (Certified, Excellent, Very Good, or Good), come from quality-vetted sellers or the brand itself, and are backed by a one- or two-year warranty serviced by Allstate. Products always ship free and come with 30-day free returns. RefurbMe compares only these eBay Refurbished listings, never open-marketplace ones.

On price, eBay Refurbished did not lead any of the six models we checked on October 28, 2026, though it tied Back Market on the unlocked iPhone 13 at $247. Its cheapest unlocked iPhone 16 was $551 and its cheapest unlocked iPhone 15 was $375. It had no iPhone 15 Pro in stock. Its cheapest iPhone 14 was a unit locked to Cricket at $259, and we did not check each listing's grade, so read the condition and carrier fields before you buy.

Our verdict

eBay Refurbished is the pick if the length of the included warranty matters most: Certified items get two years and Excellent, Very Good and Good items one year, at least as long as Back Market's, and every order gets 30-day free returns. The tradeoff is consistency: listings come from many sellers, so check the grade, battery note, and carrier lock on each one before you pay.

Products & pricing

Refurbished iPhone by eBay Refurbished
from $99 in Excellent Refurbished iPhone by eBay Refurbished · 56 configurations at 1 seller. Checked Oct 5, 12:05 PM EDT.
See all 192 offers

Compare them all on RefurbMe

RefurbMe refurbished iPhone page with Model, Condition, Budget and Carrier filters, model shortcuts and iPhone configurations from several sellers

Visiting each retailer and comparing prices one by one takes time. RefurbMe eliminates that step. We are a price comparison site for refurbished Apple products, aggregating deals from certified sellers so you can find the best price for any iPhone model in seconds.

Testing process

We have compared the reconditioning process of every merchant we work with. You can compare testing processes at a glance to see how each seller stacks up.

Warranty & shipping

Each seller in this guide that RefurbMe tracks gives you at least 30 days to return a phone or claim under warranty, and Apple, Back Market and eBay Refurbished include one year of coverage or more. Compare warranties across all refurbishers. In terms of shipping, all listed merchants offer free shipping.

Products & pricing

Refurbished iPhone
from $86 carrier-locked in Fair Refurbished iPhone · 106 configurations at 6 sellers. Checked Oct 5, 12:05 PM EDT.
See all 2,136 offers

You can also set up stock alerts and price alerts. We will notify you by email when the iPhone you want comes back in stock or drops in price.


What to check before buying a refurbished iPhone

No matter where you buy, our full guide to buying a refurbished iPhone covers the whole process, but at minimum verify these five things before completing your purchase:

  1. Battery health. Aim for 85% capacity or higher. Apple Certified Refurbished replaces every battery with a new one. Back Market guarantees at least 80% battery health on phones. Other sellers vary, so check the listing.

  2. IMEI status. Confirm the IMEI is not blacklisted or reported stolen. Use Apple's Check Coverage page or a free IMEI checker before purchasing.

  3. Activation Lock. Make sure Find My iPhone is disabled. A locked device is unusable. Reputable sellers clear this before shipping, but always verify. Carrier lock is a separate field on the listing, and our guide to buying an unlocked refurbished iPhone explains how to check it before and after you pay.

  4. Condition grade. Understand the grading scale. "Like New" or "Excellent" means minimal cosmetic wear. "Good" or "Fair" means visible scratches or scuffs. Choose the grade that matches your tolerance for imperfections. Learn more about refurbished grades A, B, and C and the differences between used, refurbished, and new devices.

  5. Warranty and return policy. A 30-day minimum is standard. Apple and Back Market offer one year, and eBay Refurbished offers one or two years. Amazon Renewed Premium gives you a 365-day return period. If the seller offers less than 30 days, consider shopping elsewhere.

Check software support before buying older models

Before buying an older model, verify how long Apple supports that iPhone. As of October 2026, iOS 27 runs on the iPhone 11 and later and the iPhone SE (2nd generation), so an iPhone XS or XR no longer gets the current iOS. A great price on an iPhone that no longer receives iOS updates is not a great deal.


How much does a refurbished iPhone cost in 2026?

Prices depend on model, storage, condition, and seller. Here are the lowest in-stock US prices RefurbMe tracked at each seller on October 28, 2026, unlocked units first:

Model Launch price (Apple) Back Market Amazon Renewed Gazelle eBay Refurbished Apple Refurbished Cheapest carrier-locked
iPhone 16 Pro $999 $616 $648 $647 (seen Oct 22) $725 (256 GB) Not listed $615 at Back Market (AT&T, 1 TB)
iPhone 16 $799 $541 $534 $545 (seen Oct 23) $551 Not listed $474 at Back Market (AT&T)
iPhone 15 Pro $999 $509 $505 $509 (seen Oct 22) Not listed $679 $512 at Back Market (AT&T, 1 TB)
iPhone 15 $799 $399 $396 $374 $375 Not listed $347 at Back Market (AT&T)
iPhone 14 $799 $274 $295 $262 $314 (256 GB) Not listed $242 at Back Market (Verizon)
iPhone 13 $799 $247 $260 $271 (256 GB) $247 Not listed $200 at Back Market (AT&T)

Each seller column is that seller's cheapest unlocked listing, 128 GB unless noted, seen October 26 to 28 unless dated; the last column is the cheapest carrier-locked listing at any seller. We did not check each listing's grade. On unlocked units, Back Market was cheapest on the iPhone 16 Pro, Amazon Renewed on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro, Gazelle on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14, and Back Market and eBay Refurbished tied on the iPhone 13, where Gazelle also showed a 128 GB unit at $239 last seen October 22. Counting carrier-locked units, Back Market had the cheapest listing on five of the six models; Amazon Renewed's unlocked iPhone 15 Pro was the exception. Launch prices are Apple's US starting prices at announcement. Apple's own refurbished store advertises savings of up to 15%; on October 28 it had no iPhone 16 and listed the iPhone 15 Pro from $679 for 128 GB. Prices shift weekly. The fastest way to find the current lowest price for any iPhone model is to compare all sellers on RefurbMe.

The iPhone 17e is not in the table above. Apple still sells it new from $699 (256 GB, unlocked). On October 28, 2026, the cheapest refurbished unit we tracked was an unlocked 256 GB unit at $489 from Gazelle. Back Market had one locked to Verizon at $510 and unlocked ones from $539. Amazon Renewed's cheapest was $612, after a $570 unit last seen October 21. eBay Refurbished had no iPhone 17e in stock. Our guide to whether a refurbished iPhone 17e is worth it weighs it against older models at the same price.

Set a price alert

If the model you want is not at your target price yet, create a price alert and we will email you when it drops.


Which refurbished iPhone should you buy in 2026?

Choosing the right model depends on your budget and what features matter to you. Here are our expert picks for each use case:

  • Best value overall: The iPhone 15 hits the sweet spot. It supports iOS 27, has USB-C, the Dynamic Island, and a 48 MP main camera. On October 28, 2026, refurbished prices started at $347 at Back Market for a unit locked to AT&T. Unlocked ones started at $374 at Gazelle, $375 at eBay Refurbished, and $396 at Amazon Renewed. Compare iPhone 15 prices on RefurbMe.

  • Best for power users: The iPhone 16 Pro brings Apple Intelligence features, the A18 Pro chip, and a 5x telephoto camera. On October 28, 2026, unlocked refurbished units started at $616 at Back Market and $648 at Amazon Renewed. Compare iPhone 16 Pro prices. If you want last year's flagship, now replaced by the iPhone 18 Pro, our guide to buying a refurbished iPhone 17 Pro covers where third-party stock is surfacing and which storage tiers hold their value. For a big-screen option that keeps Apple Intelligence and the 5x zoom for less, a refurbished iPhone 15 Pro Max is the value pick. For a cheaper way into the Pro camera system, a refurbished iPhone 14 Pro delivers ProMotion and a 3x telephoto at a much lower entry price.

  • Best budget pick: The iPhone 14 still runs iOS 27, has a solid dual-camera system, and drops below $300 refurbished: on October 28, 2026 it started at $242 at Back Market for a unit locked to Verizon, and unlocked at $262 at Gazelle. Compare iPhone 14 prices.

  • Cheapest option that still gets updates: The iPhone 13 started at $200 refurbished at Back Market on October 28, 2026, for a unit locked to AT&T. Unlocked units seen in the last three days started at $247 at Back Market and eBay Refurbished, and Gazelle also showed a $239 unit last seen October 22. The iPhone 13 remains eligible for iOS 27. Compare iPhone 13 prices.

  • Best entry-level deal: Refurbished iPhones under $100 do exist. See our full guide to cheap refurbished iPhones under $100 for current deals on older models.

If you want a small phone with Touch ID, our guide to buying a refurbished iPhone SE covers which generation to pick.


How we chose these sellers

We evaluated refurbished iPhone sellers on four criteria:

  1. Testing and certification process. Does the seller inspect, test, and certify every device? We favor sellers with documented, multi-point inspection programs and battery health guarantees.
  2. Warranty length. A 30-day minimum is the floor. We prioritize sellers offering one year of coverage.
  3. Pricing and value. Prices in this guide are the lowest in-stock listings RefurbMe tracked at each seller on October 28, 2026, compared against Apple's US launch prices. In our tables, the cheaper offer on the same model comes first.
  4. Track record and reputation. We considered customer reviews and how long each seller has operated. All seven sellers in this guide have been active for at least two years.

We did not include open peer-to-peer marketplaces like Swappa or eBay's general listings in our main rankings. When you buy from a random private seller, you give up the standardized testing and warranty protections that dedicated refurbishers provide. eBay Refurbished is a different thing: eBay's separate, vetted program, where listings carry graded conditions, vetted sellers, a return window, and a warranty, which is why it has its own section above. If you are comfortable vetting sellers on your own, Swappa is also worth checking for competitive pricing on unlocked iPhones, but read our guide on what to check before buying a used iPhone first so you know exactly what a private seller's listing needs to clear.

RefurbMe compares pricing from most of the sellers above (not Best Buy). We disclose this relationship transparently: we earn a commission when you buy through our links, but our rankings are based on the criteria above, not commission rates; commission only decides the order between two offers that are otherwise equal.


Looking for other refurbished Apple products?

We have reviewed the best places to buy other refurbished Apple devices too:

Considering a trade-in instead? Read our guide on Apple Trade-In vs. buying refurbished to see which option saves you more. And if you are curious about the bigger picture, see how buying refurbished supports the circular economy.

Not ready to buy?

Email me when a refurbished iPhone is listed under $590. You also get our weekly deals email. Unsubscribe anytime.

FAQ

Is it safe to buy a refurbished iPhone?

Yes. Buying from certified sellers like Apple Certified Refurbished, eBay Refurbished, Back Market, Amazon Renewed, or Mac of All Trades is safe. These sellers run inspections, include warranties or return guarantees of 30 days to two years, and offer return policies. Stick to sellers with documented testing processes and avoid unverified listings on open marketplaces.

What is the difference between refurbished and used iPhones?

A refurbished iPhone has been professionally inspected, tested, repaired if necessary, and certified to meet specific quality standards. It includes a warranty. A used iPhone is sold as-is with no testing, no repairs, and usually no warranty. Refurbished devices from Apple include a new battery and outer shell; used devices do not.

How much can you save buying a refurbished iPhone?

It depends on the seller and the model. Apple's own refurbished store advertises savings up to 15% off retail. Third-party sellers usually go further: on October 28, 2026, the cheapest refurbished iPhone 16 RefurbMe tracked was $474 at Back Market, locked to AT&T, 41% below Apple's $799 launch price, and the cheapest unlocked one was $534 at Amazon Renewed. Apple's own refurbished store had no iPhone 16 that day, so compare like for like before drawing a conclusion.

Do refurbished iPhones come with a warranty?

Yes. Apple provides a 1-year warranty extendable with AppleCare+. eBay Refurbished includes a one- or two-year warranty serviced by Allstate. Back Market includes a 1-year limited warranty. Amazon Renewed gives most items a 90-day return period and Renewed Premium items a 365-day return period. Mac of All Trades offers 30 days with optional extended plans. Gazelle gives 30-day returns and sells an optional one-year WarrantyLife plan. Best Buy gives 14 days to return a phone, members included, with optional Geek Squad Protection.

What should I check before buying a refurbished iPhone?

Check five things: battery health (85% capacity or higher), IMEI status (not blacklisted or stolen), Activation Lock (Find My iPhone must be disabled), condition grade (understand what A/B/C or Excellent/Good/Fair means for that seller), and warranty terms (30-day minimum). Use Apple's Check Coverage page to verify any device before buying.

Which is the cheapest place to buy a refurbished iPhone?

On October 28, 2026, Back Market had the cheapest in-stock listing on five of the six iPhone models we checked, from the iPhone 13 at $200 to the iPhone 16 Pro at $615, all five carrier-locked. Amazon Renewed was cheapest on the iPhone 15 Pro, at $505 unlocked. On unlocked units the lead was split between Back Market, Amazon Renewed and Gazelle, with eBay Refurbished tied on the iPhone 13. We compared price only and did not check each listing's grade. Prices change daily, so RefurbMe compares Apple, eBay Refurbished, Back Market, Amazon Renewed, Gazelle, Mac of All Trades, and other sellers in real time, showing you the lowest price for the exact model and storage you want.

Can I get a refurbished iPhone 16?

Yes. On October 28, 2026, RefurbMe tracked in-stock refurbished iPhone 16 units at Back Market from $474 (locked to AT&T; unlocked from $541), Amazon Renewed from $534 unlocked, and eBay Refurbished from $551 unlocked. Gazelle's cheapest, $545 unlocked, was last seen October 23. Apple's own US refurbished store had no iPhone 16 that day. Apple's refurbished lineup rotates often and third-party prices move daily, so check current listings before you buy.

Are refurbished iPhones unlocked?

It depends on the seller. Apple Certified Refurbished iPhones are always unlocked. Gazelle and Mac of All Trades specialize in unlocked devices. Amazon Renewed, eBay Refurbished, and Back Market list both locked and unlocked options, so check the product listing carefully. An unlocked phone works with any carrier and holds better resale value.

Conclusion

Seven sellers, seven different approaches to refurbished iPhones. Here is our expert summary:

  • Lowest price: Back Market, with the cheapest listing on five of the six models we checked on October 28, 2026, all five carrier-locked, plus a 1-year warranty and the widest selection we track. Check each listing's grade and carrier.
  • Lowest unlocked prices: it depends on the model. Amazon Renewed led the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro, Gazelle the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14.
  • Longest included warranty: eBay Refurbished, with one or two years and 30-day free returns.
  • Best quality: Apple Certified Refurbished. New battery, new shell, one-year warranty. Apple's own store advertises savings of up to 15% off retail.
  • Best for Prime members: Amazon Renewed, especially the Premium tier with its 365-day return period.
  • Best for in-store buying: Best Buy, where you can inspect and return locally.
  • Best unlocked specialists: Gazelle and Mac of All Trades, both US-focused with no carrier contracts.
  • Best for comparing everything: RefurbMe compares most of the above so you can find the cheapest price across sellers in seconds.

The fastest way to find the best price is to compare all sellers on RefurbMe. Pick your model, set your budget, and let the comparison do the work.

If you live in Canada or the UK and spot a lower US price, our pages for Canada and the UK estimate shipping, duty and tax on a US order. Elsewhere, a US package forwarder can receive your order and reship it to you, and our import costs guide estimates shipping, duty and tax for sixteen countries.

Last updated: Oct 28, 2026 · First published: Jan 23, 2025

Simo Elalj

CEO and Founder at RefurbMe. I made this project back when I was 15 when I had to wake up at 2am to buy my own refurbished Macbook Pro. Passionate about circular economy, great UX and goats.