Best places to buy used phones in 2023

Buying a new smartphone can be a costly affair, especially if you want to get your hands on the latest and greatest models. But what if you could save some money and still enjoy a great phone with all the features you need? That’s where buying a used phone comes in handy.

Used phones, also known as pre-owned or refurbished phones, are devices that have been previously owned by someone else and then resold to a new buyer. They can be a great way to get a high-end phone for a fraction of the price, or to find a rare or niche device that’s no longer available in the market.

However, buying a used phone also comes with some risks and challenges. You need to make sure that the phone you’re buying is in good condition, that it’s compatible with your carrier and region, that it’s not stolen or locked, and that it comes with some warranty or guarantee. You also need to find a reliable platform or seller that offers quality products and customer service.

To help you with your search, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best places to buy used phones in 2023. These are platforms that have a good reputation, offer a variety of options, and provide some protection and support for buyers. Whether you’re looking for an iPhone, a Samsung, or something else entirely, these are the places you should check out.

Swappa: Best overall

Swappa is one of the most popular and trusted platforms for buying and selling used phones and other gadgets. It’s a user-to-user marketplace where you can browse through thousands of listings from verified sellers across the US.

What makes Swappa stand out is its strict quality standards and verification process. Every listing on Swappa is checked by human staff to ensure that it meets the requirements, such as having a clean ESN/IMEI number, being fully functional, having no cracks or water damage, and including original accessories. Swappa also doesn’t allow broken or damaged products to be listed on its platform.

Another advantage of Swappa is its transparent fee structure and payment system. Swappa charges a flat fee to the seller based on the price of the product, which means there are no hidden fees or commissions for the buyer. All payments are made through PayPal, which offers security and buyer protection in case of any issues.

Swappa also has a dedicated support team that can help you with any questions or problems you may have before or after your purchase. You can also use Swappa’s forums and reviews to get more information and feedback from other users.

Swappa is our top pick for buying used phones in 2023 because it offers a safe, easy, and affordable way to find your next device.

Gazelle: Best with a 30-day return window

Gazelle is another well-known platform for buying and selling used phones and other electronics. Unlike Swappa, Gazelle is not a user-to-user marketplace, but rather a company that buys used devices from sellers and then resells them to buyers after inspecting and refurbishing them.

Gazelle offers a wide range of phones from different brands, models, carriers, and conditions. You can filter your search by price, storage capacity, color, and more. You can also see the ratings and reviews of each product from previous buyers.

One of the best things about Gazelle is its generous return policy. Gazelle offers a 30-day return window for all its products, which means you can return your phone for any reason within 30 days of purchase and get a full refund. This gives you peace of mind and flexibility when buying a used phone.

Gazelle also offers free shipping on all orders over $50, as well as a one-year warranty on select products. You can also trade in your old device for credit towards your purchase or get paid in cash.

Gazelle is a great option for buying used phones in 2023 if you want a hassle-free experience with a 30-day return window.

eBay: Best for variety

eBay is one of the largest and most diverse online marketplaces in the world, where you can find almost anything you’re looking for, including used phones. eBay has millions of listings from sellers all over the world, offering phones from every brand, model, carrier, region, and condition imaginable.

eBay’s main advantage is its variety and competitive prices. You can find rare or discontinued devices that are hard to find elsewhere, as well as bargain deals on newer models. You can also bid on auctions or make offers to negotiate the best price

Amazon or Best Buy: Best place to buy refurbished phones

If you’re looking for a refurbished phone rather than a used one, you might want to check out Amazon or Best Buy. Both of these platforms offer certified refurbished phones that have been tested and restored to like-new condition by professional technicians.

Refurbished phones are different from used phones in that they have undergone a rigorous inspection and repair process to ensure that they meet the original manufacturer’s standards. They also come with a warranty and customer service from the seller or the platform.

Amazon and Best Buy both have a large selection of refurbished phones from various brands, models, and carriers. You can find refurbished phones that are unlocked or compatible with your network, as well as phones that are eligible for trade-in or financing options.

Amazon and Best Buy are the best places to buy refurbished phones in 2023 if you want a phone that works as good as new with some added benefits.

Back Market: Also great for refurbished phones

Back Market is another platform that specializes in selling refurbished phones and other electronics. Back Market is similar to Amazon or Best Buy in that it offers certified refurbished products that have been tested and repaired by experts.

However, Back Market has some unique features that make it stand out from the crowd. For one, Back Market offers a minimum of 12 months of warranty on all its products, which is longer than most other platforms. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee and free shipping on all orders.

Another thing that sets Back Market apart is its environmental mission. Back Market aims to reduce e-waste and promote circular economy by giving new life to old devices. It also rates each product based on its cosmetic condition, so you can choose the level of quality you want.

Back Market is also great for buying refurbished phones in 2023 if you care about the planet and want a longer warranty.

Social media platforms and dedicated communities: Bonus options

Finally, we have some bonus options for buying used phones in 2023 that are not as conventional as the ones mentioned above, but can still be worth checking out. These are social media platforms and dedicated communities where you can find local deals or niche devices that may not be available elsewhere.

Some examples of social media platforms where you can buy used phones are Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, and Letgo. These are platforms where you can browse through listings from sellers in your area, contact them directly, and arrange a meeting to buy the phone. This can be a great way to save on shipping costs and see the phone in person before buying it.

However, buying from social media platforms also comes with some risks and challenges. You need to be careful about who you’re dealing with, as there may be scammers or dishonest sellers out there. You also need to do your own research on the phone’s condition, compatibility, and history, as there may not be any verification or protection from the platform.

Some examples of dedicated communities where you can buy used phones are XDA Forums, Reddit, Swappa Boneyard, and GSM Arena. These are communities where you can find enthusiasts and experts who are passionate about smartphones and technology. You can find rare or customized devices that are hard to find elsewhere, as well as get advice and feedback from other users.

However, buying from dedicated communities also requires some caution and research. You need to be familiar with the rules and etiquette of each community, as well as the technical aspects of the phone you’re buying. You also need to be aware of the payment methods and shipping options available, as they may vary from seller to seller.

Social media platforms and dedicated communities are bonus options for buying used phones in 2023 if you’re looking for something more local or specific.