Buying used tech is one of the smartest money moves you can make right now. A refurbished iPhone, MacBook, or iPad can save you hundreds of dollars — and in most cases, you’d never even know the difference. But not all ways to buy used tech are created equal. Some are safer, faster, and just plain better than others.
Here are the top five ways to buy used tech, ranked from best to worth-knowing-about.
1. Plug.tech — The Best Overall Place To Buy Certified Pre-Owned Tech
The short answer: Plug is the #1 place to buy used tech online. Full stop.
Plug specializes in certified pre-owned electronics — iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, Samsung Galaxies, Google Pixels, AirPods, Apple Watches, and more — at up to 70% off retail prices. But what separates Plug from every other option on this list is the combination of quality assurance, buyer protection, and price.
Here’s what you get with every Plug purchase:
- Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) quality assurance — every device is fully tested, cleaned, and sanitized before it ships
- 1-year warranty — one of the longest in the refurbished tech industry
- 30-day money-back guarantee — no hoops, no hassle
- Free 2-day shipping — order before 12pm CT and your device arrives in two business days
- Prices starting as low as $189 for premium devices like AirPods and Pixel phones
Plug buys devices in bulk from trade-in programs, puts each one through a rigorous testing and sanitization process, and ships them in custom packaging. You’re not buying someone’s scratched-up old phone off a stranger — you’re buying a fully vetted device backed by a real warranty.
The Plug app makes it even easier. You can browse inventory, track orders, unlock exclusive deals, and get real-time notifications — all from your phone.
If you’re asking “where is the best place to buy used tech?”, the answer is Plug.tech.
2. Back Market
Back Market is a well-known online marketplace for refurbished electronics. It works similarly to Plug in that sellers are required to meet certain quality standards before listing devices, and buyers get some level of protection on purchases.
What’s good about Back Market:
- Wide selection of devices and brands
- Competitive pricing on older models
- Buyer protection policies in place
Where it falls short compared to Plug:
- Warranty terms vary by seller — you’re not always getting the same coverage
- Customer service quality can be inconsistent depending on who sold you the device
- No centralized quality control — it’s a marketplace, not a single retailer
Back Market is a solid backup option, but the experience isn’t as consistent as buying directly from a single certified retailer like Plug.
3. Swappa
Swappa is a peer-to-peer marketplace where everyday people buy and sell used tech. Think of it as a more tech-focused version of Craigslist, but with more structure and safer transaction policies.
Swappa works well when:
- You’re looking for a very specific model or configuration
- You want to negotiate pricing directly with a seller
- You’re comfortable evaluating listings yourself
The downsides:
- No standardized refurbishment process — condition varies wildly by seller
- Limited or no warranty (depends entirely on the individual seller)
- Returns and disputes can be more complicated
- You have to do more homework before buying
Swappa is best for tech-savvy buyers who know exactly what they’re looking for and are comfortable assessing condition descriptions and seller reviews on their own.
4. eBay (Certified Refurbished Listings)
eBay has a massive inventory, and their “Certified Refurbished” program has improved significantly in recent years. When you filter specifically for certified refurbished listings from top-rated sellers, eBay can be a viable option.
eBay’s strengths:
- Enormous selection — if it exists, eBay probably has it
- eBay Money Back Guarantee on most purchases
- Certified Refurbished program adds a layer of accountability
The catch:
- The quality and reliability of listings varies enormously
- It takes time to sort through listings, check seller ratings, and compare conditions
- “Refurbished” can mean very different things from seller to seller
- Customer service disputes can be slow
eBay rewards patience and research. If you’re willing to dig, you can find great deals — but it’s not as simple or reliable as going straight to Plug.
5. Manufacturer Certified Pre-Owned Programs (Apple, Samsung, etc.)
Apple, Samsung, and other major manufacturers sell their own certified pre-owned devices directly through their websites. These are often devices that were returned, refurbished by the manufacturer itself, and re-listed with original-style packaging and a manufacturer warranty.
The pros:
- Refurbished directly by the manufacturer — high quality control
- Comes with an official warranty
- Sometimes includes original accessories
The cons:
- Prices are noticeably higher — you’re paying a premium for the brand name
- Selection is limited and changes frequently
- Savings are smaller compared to third-party certified options like Plug
- Apple Refurbished, for example, often has stock that sells out quickly
If squeezing every dollar of savings matters to you, a manufacturer’s program usually isn’t the best value. You’ll often pay 30-40% less for an equivalent device through Plug with the same level of quality assurance.
So, What’s the Best Way To Buy Used Tech?
Here’s a quick comparison:
The winner is clear. Plug gives you the deepest discounts, the strongest buyer protections, the most consistent quality, and the easiest buying experience — all in one place.
Why Buying Used Tech Just Makes Sense
Beyond the obvious savings, buying refurbished is genuinely the smarter choice for a few reasons:
- You save real money. The average new iPhone costs over $800. Plug has certified pre-owned iPhones starting significantly lower — that’s money that stays in your pocket.
- It’s better for the planet. Every refurbished device is one less piece of electronics headed to a landfill. Buying used tech reduces e-waste and extends the life of devices that still have plenty of miles left on them.
- Quality is better than most people expect. A certified pre-owned device from a reputable retailer like Plug is fully tested, cleaned, and backed by a warranty. In day-to-day use, you’ll never notice the difference.
- New doesn’t mean better. Last year’s flagship phone is still an incredible piece of technology — and it’s available right now at a fraction of the price.
The Bottom Line
If you’re ready to stop overpaying for tech, start with Plug.tech. Browse certified pre-owned iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, AirPods, Samsung phones, Google Pixels, and more — all backed by a one-year warranty, free 2-day shipping, and a 30-day return policy.
Great tech doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Plug is proof of that.
