Retailer intelligence

Best Refurbished Phone Retailers

A practical KYM ranking of refurbished phone retailers by warranty, returns, trust, battery policy, delivery, market coverage, and who each retailer is actually best for.

Ranked list

Where to start

1 8.4/10

Back Market

UK buyers and price-led shoppers who want maximum refurbished iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel choice, marketplace pricing, and a simple return/warranty promise.

UK US EU iPhone Samsung Galaxy
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4 7.6/10

Amazon Renewed

Buyers who already trust Amazon, want fast delivery, and want refurbished phones alongside familiar checkout and returns.

UK US EU Global iPhone
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5 7.3/10

CeX

UK buyers who want physical stores, Click & Collect, trade-in value, and long warranty cover.

UK EU iPhone Samsung Galaxy Google Pixel
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6 7.1/10

giffgaff

UK buyers who want a refurbished phone from a familiar mobile network/community brand, potentially alongside a SIM plan.

UK iPhone Samsung Galaxy Google Pixel
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7 6.6/10

Plug

Students, younger buyers, and US customers looking for refurbished iPhones, Macs, consoles, and tech bundles.

US iPhone Samsung Galaxy Google Pixel
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8 6.3/10

Mac of All Trades

Apple buyers looking beyond Apple's own refurb store, particularly for Macs, iPads, and older Apple hardware.

US iPhone Mac iPad / Tablets
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9 6.1/10

Gazelle

US buyers wanting a dedicated used/refurbished phone retailer rather than a broad marketplace.

US iPhone Samsung Galaxy Google Pixel
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At a glance

Retailer comparison table

RetailerScoreBest forMarketsWarranty note
Back Market 8.4/10 UK buyers and price-led shoppers who want maximum refurbished iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google Pixel choice, marketplace pricing,… UK, US, EU 12-month commercial warranty on most refurbished products.
Apple Certified Refurbished 8.3/10 Buyers who want the safest official Apple refurb route, Apple warranty, and AppleCare eligibility. UK, US, EU, Global One-year Apple limited warranty; AppleCare may be available.
Samsung Certified Re-Newed 8.3/10 Samsung buyers who want official manufacturer backing rather than marketplace refurb stock. UK, US, EU, Global UK buyers commonly see a 2-year Samsung Certified Re-Newed warranty proposition. US buyers commonly see a…
Amazon Renewed 7.6/10 Buyers who already trust Amazon, want fast delivery, and want refurbished phones alongside familiar checkout and returns. UK, US, EU, Global Amazon Renewed Guarantee varies by market/tier; Renewed Premium generally offers stronger coverage.
CeX 7.3/10 UK buyers who want physical stores, Click & Collect, trade-in value, and long warranty cover. UK, EU UK online and Click & Collect purchases commonly advertised with a 5-year warranty; exclusions apply, including…
giffgaff 7.1/10 UK buyers who want a refurbished phone from a familiar mobile network/community brand, potentially alongside a SIM plan. UK Refurbished warranties vary by condition: commonly 12 months for Good, 18 months for Very Good/Excellent, and…
Plug 6.6/10 Students, younger buyers, and US customers looking for refurbished iPhones, Macs, consoles, and tech bundles. US 12-month Plug Warranty covering eligible hardware/software defects.
Mac of All Trades 6.3/10 Apple buyers looking beyond Apple's own refurb store, particularly for Macs, iPads, and older Apple hardware. US Standard warranty covers eligible repair/labour/diagnostic and return shipping after service; exact duration/options should be checked by…
Gazelle 6.1/10 US buyers wanting a dedicated used/refurbished phone retailer rather than a broad marketplace. US Standard return window is central; extended protection may be offered via WarrantyLife or similar partners.

Method

How KYM scores retailers

WarrantyHow clear and useful the warranty route is for refurbished buyers.
ReturnsWhether the buyer has a simple way out if the phone is not right.
TrustBrand, support route, refurb process, condition clarity, and seller consistency.
Battery policyHow confidently a buyer can understand battery health or replacement expectations.
Buying fitWhether the retailer is useful for iPhone, Samsung, Pixel, UK, US, price-led, or safest-route intent.