Best Refurbished iPhones to Buy

Last updated: July 2026 · By the Zextons product team

The best refurbished iPhone to buy in 2026 for most people is the iPhone 14 — it still receives the latest iOS, has excellent cameras and battery life, and costs far less than a new model. If you want a flagship, a refurbished iPhone 15 Pro is the smart way to get one; on a budget, the iPhone 12 is superb value, and the iPhone 11 is the cheapest iPhone that Apple still supports. Every Zextons refurbished iPhone is fully tested, graded, and covered by a 18-month warranty.

A refurbished iPhone is a pre-owned handset that has been professionally inspected, repaired where needed, cleaned, and tested before resale — so you get a phone that works like new for much less. iPhones are especially good to buy refurbished because Apple supports them for so long: iOS 26, released in September 2025, still runs on every iPhone from the iPhone 11 onwards, and Apple has confirmed iOS 27 will support the same models. That means even a several-year-old refurbished iPhone still has years of updates and safe use ahead of it. Below, we rank the best refurbished iPhones by budget and help you choose the right one.

Best refurbished iPhones in 2026 at a glance

(Turn each "See price" into a button linking to that model's product page.)

Why buy a refurbished iPhone in 2026?

Long software support is the big reason. Apple typically provides five to seven years of iOS updates and up to eight years of security patches. Because iOS 26 (and the upcoming iOS 27) still support the iPhone 11 and every model after it, a refurbished iPhone bought today keeps getting Apple's newest features and security fixes for years — something you rarely get buying refurbished in other product categories.

You save a lot versus a new iPhone. With the iPhone 17 generation now at the top of Apple's range, refurbished prices on the iPhone 12, 13, and 14 have dropped significantly while the phones themselves remain fast and capable. See each model's product page for today's exact price.

The risk of buying used is removed. A private second-hand iPhone is sold as-is, with no testing and no warranty. Every Zextons refurbished iPhone is fully tested and comes with a 18-month warranty.

Which refurbished iPhone should you buy?

iPhone 14 — best overall

For most buyers, the iPhone 14 is the one to get. It runs the latest iOS, is confirmed for iOS 27, and its dual-camera system and battery life still hold up well against newer models — all for a fraction of a new iPhone's price. If you want one phone that will simply do everything well for years, this is it. See today's price: iPhone 14

iPhone 15 Pro — best flagship for less

Buying last year's Pro refurbished is the cleverest way to own a flagship. The iPhone 15 Pro brings the 120Hz ProMotion display, a lightweight titanium frame, and the A17 Pro chip. It's also the oldest iPhone that supports Apple Intelligence — Apple's on-device AI features — which require an A17 Pro chip or newer, so it's the entry point if you want Apple's generative-AI tools. See today's price: iPhone 15 Pro

iPhone 13 — best mid-range

The iPhone 13 remains a brilliant middle-ground choice: excellent cameras, strong battery life, and full software support, usually at a noticeably lower price than the iPhone 14. See today's price: iPhone 13

iPhone 12 — best budget

Launched in 2020, the iPhone 12 still runs iOS 26 and will get iOS 27 — remarkable longevity that makes it one of the best-value refurbished iPhones you can buy. For everyday use it feels quick and modern. See today's price: iPhone 12

iPhone 11 — cheapest iPhone Apple still supports

If price is your first concern, the iPhone 11 is the entry point. It's the oldest iPhone that can run iOS 26 and iOS 27, so it's still secure and up to date while being the most affordable option here. See today's price: iPhone 11

iPhone 13 mini — best compact iPhone

If you prefer a smaller phone that fits one-handed, the iPhone 13 mini packs the same performance as the standard iPhone 13 into a compact body — and mini models are increasingly rare, which makes buying one refurbished the easiest way to get it. See today's price: iPhone 13 mini

How much storage do you need?

Storage options vary by model, so choose based on how you use your phone rather than picking the biggest by default:

• 128GB is enough for most people — messaging, apps, photos, and normal use.

• 256GB suits anyone who shoots a lot of video, keeps large photo libraries, or downloads music and films offline.

• 512GB or 1TB is for heavy users who record 4K video regularly or keep everything on-device.

(Check the storage tiers on each product page — availability differs by model, and this is where the old version of this page listed incorrect sizes, so match these to your actual stock.)

What do refurbished iPhone grades mean?

Grades describe cosmetic condition only — every iPhone is tested to the same working standard regardless of grade.

• Excellent (Grade A): Little to no visible wear; looks close to new.

• Good (Grade B): Light signs of use, such as minor marks visible up close.

• Fair (Grade C): More visible wear but fully working — the biggest saving.

If you use a case and screen protector, a Good or Fair grade gets you the same iPhone for less, since those marks end up covered anyway.

Refurbished iPhone vs used vs new

• New: Sealed, full price, full warranty the most expensive route.

• Refurbished: Tested, repaired, graded, and warranty-backed the best balance of price and peace of mind.

• Used / second-hand: Cheapest, but sold as-is with no testing or warranty, so all the risk is yours.

A refurbished iPhone gives you most of the savings of a second-hand one without the gamble.

Are refurbished iPhones worth buying in 2026?

Yes. Thanks to Apple's long software support, a refurbished iPhone is one of the best-value tech purchases you can make in 2026 — you get years of remaining iOS updates and near-new performance for far less than a new model, with the testing and 18-month warranty that private sales don't include.

Looking for Android options too? See our full guide to the best refurbished phone to buy in 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best refurbished iPhone to buy in 2026?

For most people the iPhone 14 offers the best balance of price, performance, and remaining software support. Choose the iPhone 15 Pro for flagship features or the iPhone 12 for the best budget value.

Is it safe to buy a refurbished iPhone?

Yes, from a professional refurbisher. Every Zextons iPhone is fully tested and comes with a 18-month warranty, unlike a private second-hand sale.

Will a refurbished iPhone still get iOS updates?

Yes. iOS 26 and the upcoming iOS 27 support every iPhone from the iPhone 11 onwards, so any iPhone in this guide still receives Apple's latest updates.

What's the cheapest iPhone that's still supported?

The iPhone 11 is the oldest iPhone that can run iOS 26 and iOS 27, making it the most affordable iPhone that Apple still updates.

Which refurbished iPhone is best for photography?

Any Pro model, such as the iPhone 15 Pro, adds a telephoto camera and extra photo features, but the standard iPhone 14 and 13 still take excellent photos.

Do refurbished iPhones come with a warranty?

Yes every Zextons refurbished iPhone includes a 18-month warranty.

How much can I save buying a refurbished iPhone? 

It depends on the model, age, and grade, but refurbished iPhones cost considerably less than new  check any model's product page for its current price and saving