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

On October 13, 2026, the cheapest refurbished iPhone 16 RefurbMe tracked in the US was $419 at eBay Refurbished, 48% below Apple's $799 launch price. Back Market listed it from $424, Amazon Renewed from $531, and Gazelle from $535. Those are the lowest in-stock listings at each seller: we compared price only, did not check each listing's grade, and several of the cheapest units are carrier-locked. Apple's own refurbished iPhone store carried the iPhone 16 only in 256 GB (from $739) and 512 GB ($909), and its cheapest refurbished iPhone was a 128 GB iPhone 15 Plus at $659. The iPhone 15 started at $349 at eBay Refurbished. 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 68 days after Apple releases it, against 45 days in the UK and 298 days in Canada (as of October 2026). That figure, which we call Time-to-Refurb, is the median gap between Apple's release date and the first refurbished listing we record for each model. 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 in-stock refurbished iPhone 16 RefurbMe tracked at each seller in the US on October 13, 2026 (any carrier or capacity; listing grades not checked). The numbered sections below are grouped by seller, not ranked by price.

1. Apple Certified Refurbished

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.

Apple added iPhone 16 models to its Certified Refurbished store in February 2026. The lineup keeps rotating: on October 13, 2026, Apple's refurbished iPhone store listed iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, and iPhone 16 Plus units. The iPhone 16 came in 256 GB from $739 and 512 GB at $909, and 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 $476 at eBay Refurbished. 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+. All refurbished products come with free next-day shipping and a 14-day return policy.

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

2. Amazon Renewed

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 13, 2026, Amazon Renewed's cheapest in-stock iPhone 16 was $531, its iPhone 15 started at $409, and its iPhone 14 at $285. Only the iPhone 14 undercut Back Market ($289), and eBay Refurbished was cheaper still ($244).

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

3. Back Market

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 13, 2026, Back Market's cheapest in-stock iPhone 15 (128 GB) was $357, and its cheapest iPhone 13 was $200. Both were carrier-locked. 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. iPhone batteries are replaced if capacity falls below 80% or exceeds 500 charge cycles.

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 express delivery and 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, battery replacement policy (below 80%), and rigorous seller vetting make it a strong value. On October 13, 2026, a refurbished iPhone 16 started at $424 here (a carrier-locked 128 GB unit; unlocked from $539). That made Back Market the cheapest seller on the iPhone 13, second cheapest on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15, and third cheapest on the iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 14. Best for deal-focused buyers who are comfortable buying online from a vetted marketplace.

Products & pricing

4. Best Buy

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 offers a 15-day return policy on refurbished devices (60 days for My Best Buy Plus and Total members). 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 15-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

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 2026, Gazelle stocks models from the iPhone XS through the iPhone 16 Pro Max, 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 includes a 30-day warranty with a simple return policy. If you are not satisfied, return the device within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. All orders ship free.

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. The 30-day warranty is the weakest point: if long-term coverage matters to you, eBay Refurbished and Back Market both offer at least a year. On October 13, 2026, Gazelle's cheapest in-stock iPhone 16 was an unlocked unit at $535. eBay Refurbished ($419, unlocked) and Back Market ($424, carrier-locked) listed cheaper iPhone 16 units that day, and Amazon Renewed was $4 lower at $531.

Products & pricing

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 13, 2026 it had no standard iPhone 13, 14, 15 or 16 and no iPhone 16 Pro in stock. Its only iPhone 15 Pro was a 256 GB unit at $613.

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. Optional extended warranty plans (1-5 years) are available through CPS at an additional cost. Shipping is free on most orders within the US.

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

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 led five of the six models we checked on October 13, 2026: its cheapest iPhone 16 was $419, its cheapest iPhone 15 was $349, and its cheapest iPhone 14 was $244. The exception was the iPhone 13, where Back Market listed a carrier-locked unit at $200 against $239 at eBay Refurbished. Some of eBay's cheapest units (the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14) are carrier-locked, 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 place to start if price comes first. Its warranty is 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

Compare them all on RefurbMe

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

Refurbishers listed on RefurbMe provide a minimum 30-day warranty, and most offer one year of coverage. Compare warranties across all refurbishers. In terms of shipping, all listed merchants offer free shipping.

Products & pricing

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 replaces batteries below 80%. 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.

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 13, 2026:

Each figure is the cheapest in-stock listing at that seller, any capacity or carrier: most are 128 GB, several of the cheapest are carrier-locked, and we did not check each listing's grade. eBay Refurbished was cheapest on five of the six models; Back Market was cheapest on the iPhone 13. Back Market beat Amazon Renewed on five models (Amazon won the iPhone 14), so we list Back Market first without needing a commission tie-break. Launch prices are Apple's US starting prices at announcement. Apple's own refurbished store advertises savings of up to 15%; its iPhone 16 was listed only in 256 GB and 512 GB, so that cell is not like-for-like with the 128 GB launch price. 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). Refurbished units have started to appear: on October 13, 2026, the cheapest we tracked was an unlocked 256 GB unit at $489 from Gazelle, with Back Market from $490 (carrier-locked) and Amazon Renewed from $589. 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.

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 13, 2026, refurbished prices started at $349 at eBay Refurbished, $357 at Back Market, and $409 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. Refurbished units started at $638 at eBay Refurbished and $660 at Back Market on October 13, 2026. Compare iPhone 16 Pro prices. If you want the very latest flagship, 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, from $244 at eBay Refurbished on October 13, 2026. Compare iPhone 14 prices.

• Cheapest option that still gets updates: The iPhone 13 started at $200 refurbished at Back Market on October 13, 2026 (a carrier-locked unit; the cheapest unlocked ones were $234 at Gazelle and $239 at eBay Refurbished), and 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.

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 13, 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:

• Best places to buy a refurbished iPad
• Best places to buy a refurbished MacBook

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.

FAQ

Conclusion

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

• Lowest price: eBay Refurbished, cheapest on five of the six models we checked on October 13, 2026 (Back Market led on the iPhone 13), with a one- or two-year warranty and 30-day free returns. Check each listing's grade and carrier.
• Best alternative with a 1-year warranty: Back Market, cheapest on the iPhone 13, second on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15, third on the rest of the models we checked, and the widest selection we track.
• 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.