The 3 Best Places to Buy a Used or Refurbished iPhone

Modern smartphones don’t come cheap, especially the iPhone. But if you’re looking to save some cash and still want to sport one of the newest iPhone models available, buying a used or refurbished device is a great option.

Thanks to the popularity of the iPhone and the huge number of people wanting the latest and greatest model, there are a number of different outlets where you can easily save on a pre-owned device.

These sites offer significant savings compared to buying a new model. The outlets are perfect if you’re looking for an iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, or even anything from the iPhone 6 line. Let’s take a closer look at where you can snag an inexpensive iPhone today.

1. Best Buy

Thanks to the combination of both brick-and-mortar locations all across the United States and a large online presence, Best Buy offers a number of different unique options for anyone looking to purchase an iPhone for less.

Through the Best Buy outlet, there are a number of different pre-owned iPhone models to choose from. Each one is verified to work without any issues.

The biggest advantage of Best Buy’s pre-owned iPhone devices is that they are completely unlocked and not tied to a carrier. In most cases, that means you can choose to use it with whatever carrier you wish. That alone can save you an enormous amount of cash, as you’ll bypass the traditional carriers and can select a less expensive plan.

You can also take advantage of the usual 14-day return period at a Best Buy location or online. Do note that with any iPhone, there is a $35 restocking fee. All pre-owned models are backed by a limited 90-day warranty and come with a charger and Lightning cable.

The condition of the pre-owned models can range from excellent with little to no cosmetic blemishes to having some blemishes. Each listing will offer that information. As a nice touch, many options are available to pick up at a local Best Buy store, along with the usual delivery services.

With the exception of the current generation iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X, you can find almost any modern iPhone through the site.

iPhone Models Available at Best Buy

If you have a little more to spend and want most of the features and speed of the current generation iPhones, you can find both iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 7 available in a number of different colors.

Both of these feature the A10 Fusion 64-bit processor. The larger iPhone 7 Plus offers a 5.5-inch screen and a dual 12MP rear camera that can take photos in Portrait Mode. The dual-lens setup also allows photographers 2x optical zoom, which is a nice plus.

The iPhone 7 brings a smaller footprint with its 4.7-inch screen and lighter weight. It just has a single-lens rear camera, but can still take fantastic images and 4K video as well.

Stepping back a generation, you can find the iPhone 6s Plus on the site in numerous colors. The iPhone 6s Plus is available in a 16GB version while there are two different configurations of the smaller iPhone 6s: a 16GB iPhone 6s and roomier 64GB iPhone 6s.

Both models run the latest version of iOS and you won’t have any problems with apps. Just think twice before purchasing a 16GB model because of the storage-hogging Live Photos and 4K video features.

Finally, if you’re on a very tight budget, you can also purchase a 16GB iPhone 6 in space gray, silver, or gold. With an aging processor, apps will likely run a bit slower. But if you must have an iPhone, it’s still a great way to go.

2. Apple

Another good place to find a deal on iPhones is directly from Apple. Apple tests and certifies all the iPhones from its refurbished store.

Each handset includes a charger and Lightning cable, a new battery, new outer shell, and new white box. Most importantly, Apple covers all the unlocked iPhone models with a one-year warranty.

You can currently find the 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB versions of both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Every color is available, including the popular Jet Black hue.

Do note that the stock changes often, so check back later if you can’t find what you’re looking for now.

All purchases from Apple’s site are eligible for returns within a 14-day period. Along with returning an iPhone to Apple, you can instead just stop by a local Apple Store. There is no restocking fee for a return.

3. Gazelle

Gazelle offers a nice advantage for potential iPhone buyers. You can both buy and sell iPhones along with a number of other electronics at the popular site.

All iPhone models from the site are pre-owned and not refurbished. The good news is that each one has been through at 30-point inspection. Gazelle also offers a generous 30-day return policy to receive a refund. On the downside, a $15 restocking fee may apply and there is no type of warranty available.

Every phone comes with a Lightning cable and charging brick.

The site offers a wide variety of different iPhones, everything from the top-of-the-line iPhone X down to the iPhone 5s.

For each iPhone, you can select one of three different case conditions—excellent, good, or fair—along with a specific color. Along with offering models compatible with specific carriers, you can also pay a bit more for an unlocked model.

Get an iPhone Deal Today

If you want an iPhone, but don’t want to spend a ton of money, don’t worry. These outlets offer a great way to get the most bang for your buck when shopping for an Apple smartphone.

And if you’re new to the iPhone, definitely make sure to look at our explanation of the most important Apple iPhone terms to help you make the most out of your smartphone experience.