Cheap Refurbished iPhones Under $100: Best Deals in 2026

In 2026, the only refurbished iPhone you can consistently find under $100 is the iPhone SE (2nd generation, 2020), with prices starting around $97 from sellers like Mac of All Trades. The iPhone 11 occasionally dips under $100 in Fair condition during sales, though its typical floor is around $109. Both still run iOS 26, making them viable daily drivers. Availability at this price point is limited and moves fast. RefurbMe tracks all major refurbishers so you can set price alerts and catch deals the moment they drop.

Which iPhone models can you buy under $100?

Not every budget iPhone is worth buying. The models below represent what you can genuinely find under $100 from reputable refurbishers in 2026, along with a few models you should avoid at any price at this tier.

The iPhone XR and iPhone X sit below $100 in many listings, but neither phone receives iOS security updates anymore. Buying either one means running an unsupported OS within weeks of purchase. The $10-$20 you save is not worth the security exposure.

The iPhone 12 mini does not typically fit under $100 in 2026, with floors around $141 from Back Market and similar sellers. If you can stretch your budget into the $140-$160 range, it is still worth considering for the 5G, OLED display, and stronger long-term software outlook compared to the SE 2 or iPhone 11.

What to expect at the $100 price point

Buying a refurbished iPhone under $100 requires calibrating your expectations. The phones in this range are three to six years old. They work, but they show their age in specific ways.

Condition grades you will see

At this price tier, you will almost exclusively encounter Grade B (Good) and Grade C (Fair) devices. Grade A or "Excellent" condition under $100 is extremely rare and usually indicates a short warranty or missing accessories. Grade B phones have light scratches on the screen or back glass. Grade C phones have visible scuffs, worn edges, or heavier cosmetic wear. None of these affect functionality, but they matter if appearance is important to you. Read our guide to refurbished grades A, B, and C before you buy.

Battery health realities

At the $100 price point, expect battery health in the 75-85% range. A battery at 75% capacity holds about three-quarters of its original charge, which typically means four to six hours of screen-on time depending on usage. Apple's in-house battery replacement costs $69 for the iPhone SE and $89 for the iPhone 11. Adding a battery service makes the total $168-$189, which is still far below the price of a new entry-level phone. Some sellers, including plug (plugtech), guarantee 90% or higher battery health on all inventory. If battery longevity is critical, prioritize those sellers.

Storage limitations

Almost all sub-$100 iPhones come in 64 GB storage. For light to moderate users, 64 GB is workable: roughly 20 GB for iOS itself, leaving around 44 GB for apps, photos, and music. iCloud storage at $0.99 per month for 50 GB is the practical solution for photos and backups. If you routinely store large video files locally, a 128 GB model is worth waiting for, though it will cost more.

Where to find the cheapest refurbished iPhones

The Apple Certified Refurbished store does not carry iPhones under $100. For this price tier, four sellers consistently stock sub-$100 models.

Back Market is the best choice for warranty coverage at this price point. Its one-year limited warranty is longer than Gazelle's 30 days and Amazon Renewed's 90 days. plug matches Back Market on warranty length and adds a stricter 90% battery health guarantee, making it the better pick if battery condition matters to you.

Gazelle remains the most likely source for iPhones under $100 specifically, since the platform frequently runs sub-$100 iPhone 11 deals in Fair condition. Check RefurbMe's iPhone page with the under-$100 filter to see live inventory across all these sellers at once.

iOS 26 compatibility: why it matters for budget buyers

Every iPhone in the sub-$100 tier worth considering runs on the A13 Bionic chip (iPhone SE 2, iPhone 11) or better. iOS 26 requires an A13 chip or newer as its minimum. That matters for two reasons.

First, it means your phone continues to receive monthly security patches. Older iPhones running unsupported software are exposed to known exploits with no remedy. Second, it means app compatibility remains intact. Many banking apps, payment apps, and productivity tools drop support for iOS versions older than two years. Running iOS 26 keeps you current.

The iPhone 12 mini (A14 Bionic) has a better long-term outlook. Its chip is one generation newer, making iOS 27 support more likely. If you can stretch your budget to the $140-$160 range, the iPhone 12 mini gives you 5G connectivity and an OLED display along with better software longevity.

A brief summary of what to buy and what to skip:

• iPhone SE 2 (A13): iOS 26 confirmed. iOS 27 uncertain. Good short-term value.
• iPhone 11 (A13): iOS 26 confirmed. iOS 27 uncertain. Better screen than the SE.
• iPhone 12 mini (A14): iOS 26 and likely iOS 27. Best long-term pick if you can stretch to roughly $140.
• iPhone XR, X, 8, or older: No longer supported. Do not buy.

For a deeper look at Apple's support timeline, see our guide on how long Apple supports iPhones.

Refurbished iPhone under $100 vs. budget Android phones

The direct competitor to a sub-$100 refurbished iPhone is a brand-new budget Android phone. Models like the Samsung Galaxy A15 or Motorola Moto G Power retail for $100-$150 new. Here is how they compare.

A new budget Android ships with current software, a fresh battery, and a one-year manufacturer warranty. It is brand new, with no wear. However, Android manufacturers in the budget tier often provide only two years of security updates, sometimes less.

A refurbished iPhone SE 2 is four to five years old. It shows cosmetic wear, carries a shorter warranty, and has a degraded battery. But it runs iOS 26, supports Apple Pay, FaceTime, iMessage, and the full Apple app ecosystem. For users already in the Apple ecosystem, continuity with existing accessories, backups, and family sharing matters more than new hardware.

If you use Android and have no existing Apple ecosystem, a new budget Android is the more practical choice. If you are an iPhone user looking for the cheapest entry point back into iOS, a refurbished SE 2 or iPhone 11 under $100 makes sense.

How to get the best deal

Set price alerts on RefurbMe

The fastest way to catch a sub-$100 iPhone deal is to set a price alert. Prices on the iPhone SE 2 and iPhone 11 fluctuate week to week. When a seller drops inventory or runs a promotion, prices can fall $10-$20 below their typical floor. Set up a price alert on RefurbMe for the iPhone SE 2 or iPhone 11 at your target price, and you will get an email the moment it hits.

Consider carrier-locked phones

A carrier-locked iPhone costs $10-$30 less than an unlocked version. If you are already on AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile and plan to stay, a locked phone is a practical way to push further below the $100 threshold. Check the listing carefully: carrier locks are listed explicitly on Back Market and Amazon Renewed. You can always request an unlock after 12 months of service.

Buy during sales events

The best windows for sub-$100 refurbished iPhone deals are back-to-school season in August, Black Friday in late November, and the two to three weeks following Apple's new iPhone launch in September. Each of these events pushes older refurbished model prices lower as sellers clear inventory. The September post-launch window is especially reliable for the SE 2 and iPhone 11.

Check return policies before buying

Return policies vary enough to affect your decision:

• Back Market: 30-day free returns.
• plug: 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Amazon Renewed: 90-day return window, including if you simply change your mind.
• Gazelle: 30-day return policy, with a $15 restocking fee.

Amazon Renewed's 90-day return window is the most generous at this price tier. If you are buying your first refurbished iPhone and want the most protection, that policy is worth noting.

Models to avoid below $100

Several iPhones appear in sub-$100 listings regularly. Most of them are traps.

iPhone XR ($69-$89): Dropped from iOS support. No security updates. Avoid.

iPhone X ($59-$79): Dropped from iOS support. Avoid.

iPhone 8 and 8 Plus (under $75): Dropped from iOS support. Avoid.

iPhone 7 and older: No iOS support for several years. Useful only as a dedicated music player or offline device. Not a daily driver.

The common thread: any iPhone with an A12 Bionic chip or older no longer receives iOS security updates. Buying one exposes you to known vulnerabilities with no fix available. The cost savings of $20-$30 versus a supported device are not worth the risk.

FAQ

Finding your next iPhone under $100

The sub-$100 refurbished iPhone market is narrow but real. The iPhone SE 2 and iPhone 11 are the two models consistently available at this price from reputable sellers. Both run iOS 26 and function as complete daily drivers. The keys to buying well: stick to certified refurbishers with clear return policies, check iOS compatibility before you buy, and use price alerts to catch inventory the moment it appears.

Browse refurbished iPhones under $100 on RefurbMe and set a price alert at your target to stay ahead of the deals.