Founder
About Rob
Rob has 15+ years experience running price comparison & review websites that empower consumers to find the cheapest cell phone services, cell phone deals, home phone, and internet providers available. He has been published in Forbes, US News, Entrepreneur, Huffington Post, Inc.
Rob's Expertise
5G wireless networks, cell phone plans, cell phone deals, MVNOs, internet services, tablets, comparison shopping, money saving, reviewing telecom products & services
MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.
Are you looking for the best refurbished iPhone? We can help you find the best deal while saving up to $600 a year, per line.
At a time when all your household costs are increasing, your cell phone bill doesn't need to be one of them. At MoneySavingPro we can help you find the refurbished iPhone you want, on your favorite network, at a much lower cost.
If you've not heard of MVNOs, you're not alone. They're low-cost carriers that operate on the three major US networks, offering the same 5G & 4G LTE wireless coverage but with plans starting as low as $10 a month.
Buying an iPhone directly from a major network may look like a good deal initially but after factoring in the cost of their over-priced unlimited data plans over 3 years, you could end up paying as much as $2,000 more than you need to!
We've compiled a list of the latest refurbished iPhones from low-cost carriers, so you can find the best phone deal at the cheapest price without sacrificing your wireless service.
Refurbished Apple iPhone deals
Refurbished iPhone 12 deals
Apple iPhone 12 mini
The Apple iPhone 12 mini has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 5.4 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 12 mini is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $304.
Apple iPhone 12
The Apple iPhone 12 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 12 is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $317.
Refurbished iPhone 11 deals
Apple iPhone 11
The Apple iPhone 11 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 11 is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $274.
Refurbished iPhone SE deals
Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen)
*$50 off
- Retailer
- Tello
- Storage
- 64GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- REFURBISHED
- Price
-
$299* MSRP: $349
The Apple iPhone SE (2nd Gen) has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 4.7 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This refurbished iPhone SE (2nd Gen) is available from Tello with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $299.
Best cheap refurbished iPhones
Apple iPhone 7
The Apple iPhone 7 has 32GB storage capacity. It includes a 4.7 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 7 is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $72.
Apple iPhone 8
*$40 off
- Retailer
- Tello
- Storage
- 64GB
- Network
- T-Mobile
- Condition
- REFURBISHED
- Price
-
$239* MSRP: $279
The Apple iPhone 8 has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 4.7 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This refurbished iPhone 8 is available from Tello with T-Mobile network coverage and prices starting from $239.
Apple iPhone XR
The Apple iPhone XR has 64GB storage capacity. It includes a 6.1 inches screen and 12 MP camera. This refurbished iPhone XR is available from Back Market with AT&T network coverage and prices starting from $185.
Cheapest refurbished iPhone prices
| Device | 32GB | 128GB | 64GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 7 Refurbished | $72 | $115 | - |
| Apple iPhone SE Refurbished | - | - | $124 |
| Apple iPhone 7 Plus Refurbished | $124 | $128 | - |
Best refurbished iPhones benefits
Whether you want one of the latest iPhones or just a cheap cell phone, there's plenty to choose from with low-cost carriers like Red Pocket Mobile.
You'll find all the same phones as with the big three, but refurbished cell phones can save you an extra few hundred bucks off the cost of a phone.
If flexibility is important, some refurbished iPhones are unlocked, so you're not tied to one carrier or network, along with a number of other benefits.
Save money: MVNOs offer the best-refurbished iPhones while saving you up to $600 per year, per line.
Unlimited data plan: There's still the option of unlimited data phone plans, however unlimited doesn't always mean unlimited, so be sure to check the small print.
5G compatible: If you want access to the fast 5G network, there are plenty of refurbished 5G iPhones to choose from.
Cheap iPhone deals: Whether you're looking for the latest Apple iPhone or a cheap iPhone SE, you'll find a nearly new iPhone with a few hundred bucks off the original retail price.
Phones for seniors: Choose from a range of iPhones suitable for seniors at an affordable price.
Phones for kids: Refurbished iPhones offer an affordable way to get your kid the iPhone they want at a cheap price. And for even more savings MVNOs offer the best family phone plans with multi-line discounts.
Considerations when buying a refurbished iPhone
Warranty – Some buyback sites that offer pre-owned phones will offer different warranties. For example, Decluttr generously offers a year warranty.
Returns – No need to make a fuss if the refurbished phone you bought doesn't meet your needs - if it comes with a return policy. Typically, buyback sites will offer a 30-day return policy.
Certification – If the refurbished smartphone you're looking into buying is "certified," this means it has undergone various testing for functionality and quality assurance before being sold.
Payment options – Some sites, like Gazelle, offer monthly payment options, which helps make purchasing that smartphone you've been eyeing even more affordable for you.
Buy time – Be sure to get the best deal when a new phone comes out.
Best bring your own phone plans
Carrier |
Network | Data |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile | 1GB |
$10/mo |
|
T-Mobile | 2GB |
$20/mo |
|
T-Mobile | 4GB |
$15/mo |
|
Verizon & T-Mobile | 15GB |
$20/mo |
|
AT&T & T-Mobile | Unltd |
$25/mo |
T-Mobile vs Mint Mobile comparison
Keep your T-Mobile phone, number & coverage: Save $600 per year
Carrier |
Network Coverage |
4G/5G Data |
Price |
Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
T-Mobile |
T-Mobile 4G & 5G | Unltd* |
$70/mo |
$840/yr |
Mint Mobile |
T-Mobile 4G & 5G |
10GB |
$20/mo |
$240/yr |
*Don't waste money on unlimited data - Avg. data usage is only 3-5GB |
Savings |
$50/mo |
$600/yr |
|
Best refurbished iPhones FAQs
What is the best iPhone to buy refurbished?
All iPhone handsets are available refurbished, including the latest models in the iPhone 12 family. So the best value for money will depend on the features you're looking for from your cell phone.
What is the best place to buy refurbished iPhones?
The best place to buy a refurbished iPhone is online from trusted sellers like Backmarket and Decluttr.
Are refurbished iPhones worth buying?
If you want to upgrade your current handset, then a refurbished phone can save you hundreds of dollars while still giving you a nearly new phone. Refurbished phones are tested before resale and offer around a 15% discount on the phone's original retail price.
Recap
Whether you're looking for the latest iPhone or just a cheap refurbished phone, Mobile Virtual Network Operators can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
MVNOs, like Mint Mobile or Red Pocket, offer refurbished iPhones with cheap plans, often with interest-free payments over 12-24 months.
Although the major networks offer to finance over 36 months, being tied into their over-priced unlimited data plans for 3 years could mean wasting as much as $2,000!
Compare deals from low-cost carriers to find the best refurbished iPhones at the cheapest price.
