Where to Buy Refurbished Phones in 2025
In 2023, one in four smartphones sold in the UK was refurbished or second-hand, showing that more people are choosing refurbished devices over brand-new ones. With so many options, how do you know where to buy a refurbished phone?
This guide breaks down the best places to buy a refurbished phone in 2025, including their pros, cons, prices, and customer ratings.
What to Consider When Buying Refurbished Phones
Ensure the seller offers:
✔️ Warranty & Returns Policy: A 12-month warranty is standard.
✔️ Clear Grading Structure: Understand the device’s condition.
✔️ Proactive Customer Service: Accessible support for any issues.
✔️ Good Customer Reviews: Positive feedback from other buyers.
✔️ Competitive Prices: Fair pricing for the device’s condition.
✔️ Comprehensive Testing: Devices should be fully tested and certified.
✔️ Trade-in or Recycling Options: Options to sell or recycle your old phone.
1. The Big Phone Store 🏆 Best Overall
✔️ TrustPilot Rating: 4.7 ⭐
✔️ Warranty: 12 months
✔️ Testing: PhoneCheck & CheckMend
✔️ Battery Health: 85% minimum (option to upgrade to 100% healthy battery)
✔️ Delivery: FREE Next-Day Delivery (on orders over £150)
✔️ Payment Options: Klarna Pay-in-Three
✔️ Physical Store: Yes (Wolverhampton)
✅ Why Choose The Big Phone Store?
- Direct Refurbisher – No middlemen = lower prices & better quality control.
- 25 Years in Business – They’ve specialised in refurbished phones since 1999.
- UK-Based Customer Support – No outsourced call centres. Speak directly to a real expert.
- Battery Replacement Option – Upgrade to a brand-new battery for a small extra cost.
⚠️ Downsides:
- Only one in-person store (Wolverhampton).
- No 12-month contracts – Payments are in three instalments (not a full finance plan).
- Not always the absolute cheapest – They focus on quality, not cutting corners.
2. Music Magpie 🏅 Best for Rental Options
✔️ TrustPilot Rating: 4.4 ⭐
✔️ Warranty: 12 months
✔️ Testing: PhoneCheck & CheckMend
✔️ Battery Health: 80% minimum
✔️ Delivery: £3.99 Next-Day Delivery
✔️ Payment Options: Smartphone Rental Service
✅ Why Choose Music Magpie?
- Smartphone Rental Option – Get a refurbished phone for 12 months at a lower cost.
- Established Brand – Originally started as a CD & book reseller but has since become a major refurbished phone retailer.
⚠️ Downsides:
- Publicly traded company – Profits go to shareholders, not customer service.
- Renting is risky – If the phone gets damaged or lost, you pay full price anyway.
3. Amazon Renewed 🔎 Best for Choice
✔️ TrustPilot Rating: 1.7 ⭐
✔️ Warranty: 12 months (varies by seller)
✔️ Testing: Unknown / Varies
✔️ Battery Health: 80% minimum
✔️ Delivery: Depends on the seller / Amazon Prime
✔️ Payment Options: Amazon Monthly Payments / Barclays Instalments
✅ Why Choose Amazon Renewed?
- Huge Selection – Multiple sellers on one platform = more choices.
- Easy Returns – Amazon’s return system is reliable.
⚠️ Downsides:
- Inconsistent Quality – Every seller is different. Some are trustworthy, some are not.
- Middleman Fees – Prices may be higher than buying direct.
4. Giffgaff 📱 Best for Buying with a SIM Contract
✔️ TrustPilot Rating: 4.1 ⭐
✔️ Warranty: 12 months
✔️ Testing: Unknown
✔️ Battery Health: 80% minimum
✔️ Delivery: Next Business Day
✔️ Payment Options: Up to 24-month contracts
✅ Why Choose Giffgaff?
- Refurbished Phones with SIM Contracts – One of the few networks offering refurbished phones on finance.
- Flexible Plans – Pay monthly over 6, 12, or 24 months.
⚠️ Downsides:
- Higher Prices – You pay more compared to buying outright.
- Low Trade-in Offers – Giffgaff’s trade-in service is poorly rated (TrustPilot: 2.3 ⭐ “Poor”).
5. Back Market 🛒 Best for Finding a Bargain
✔️ TrustPilot Rating: 4.2 ⭐
✔️ Warranty: 12 months
✔️ Testing: Varies by seller
✔️ Battery Health: 80% minimum
✔️ Delivery: Varies (depends on seller)
✔️ Payment Options: Klarna Pay-in-Three
✅ Why Choose Back Market?
- Specialist Refurbished Platform – Unlike Amazon, Back Market only sells refurbished tech.
- Helping the Industry Grow – Actively promotes refurbished phones.
⚠️ Downsides:
- Inconsistent Prices – Some sellers charge more due to platform fees.
- Quality Varies – Back Market has some standards, but not every seller is great.
- Poor Customer Support – Complaints about slow responses if issues arise.
Other Trusted UK Refurbished Phone Sellers
Refurbished Phone Specialists:
- Envirofone
- The iOutlet
- 4Gadgets
- SmartCellular
- PhonesDirect
Major UK Retailers Selling Refurbished Phones:
- Currys
- CEX
- Argos
- Mobile Phones Direct
UK Mobile Networks Selling Refurbished Phones:
- O2
- EE
- Three
- Vodafone
Other Marketplaces to Check:
- TikTok Shop (Where you can also find us!)
- Mozillion
Final Thoughts
The Big Phone Store remains the best option for buying refurbished phones in 2025 thanks to its low prices, expert refurbishing process, and top-notch customer service. However, if you’re looking for rental options, SIM contracts, or bargain hunting, the other retailers on this list could be worth checking out.
Whatever you choose, always research the seller, check reviews, and look for a clear warranty policy to get the best deal on your refurbished phone.
