Smartphones
I swapped my smartphone for a dumbphone for a week and was surprised by the result
Writer and self-confessed phone addict Rhys Thomas ditches his iPhone for a dumbphone in the ultimate modern-day experiment. Here’s how he got on…
Guides
Tech news, education, and buying guides on the most popular tech in the market. Our team of expert writers will help you find the best electronics for your needs, compare models/prices, review product specs and performances, provide insights into the industry and help you troubleshoot your tech issues.
Smartphones
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See moreSmartphonesThe only iPhone 16 review you need to read
Get our take on Apple's most talked-about iPhone of 2024 as we take a look at the new 16 series. Find out whether it’s worth the splurge.
See moreSmartphonesWhat to do when your iPhone screen breaks: Full service, DIY, or replace?
A broken iPhone screen can be a major inconvenience. How you fix it depends on how badly it’s cracked, whether your phone is working, and the available options for repair or replacement.
See moreSmartphonesElevate your iPhone photography: Essential tips and techniques
From lighting to editing techniques, learn how to capture the perfect photos with your iPhone.
See moreSmartphonesiPhone vs. Galaxy: Which smartphone is right for you?
Two names consistently stand out in the growing world of smartphones: Apple’s iPhone and Samsung’s Galaxy. Choosing between these two giants can be a big commitment, given their distinct ecosystems and features. Read ahead for an in-depth iPhone vs. Galaxy comparison that details design, user experience, camera capabilities, performance, ecosystem integration, and device pricing.
See moreSmartphonesTroubleshooting guide: Why isn’t my iPhone charging?
If your iPhone stopped charging, you’ll need to figure out why. Whether it’s as simple as a faulty cable or a more complicated software problem, troubleshooting your iPhone’s charging issues helps you solve the issue without calling a repair expert.
See moreSmartphonesWhen's the best time to trade in your iPhone?
Want to make some extra cash? Read this guide to find out how to make the most money for your device.
See moreSmartphonesDo refurbished iPhones have cosmetic damage?
Does the outside of a refurbished iPhone look as perfect as it functions? The choice is yours. Here’s how to know what you’re getting when you order your next iPhone from Back Market.
See moreSmartphonesThe top 5 best Prepaid phone plans for 2024
Looking to switch from a contract to prepaid phone plan but not sure where to start? Here we breakdown the best prepaid phone plans for 2024.
See moreSmartphonesUnderstanding prepaid phones and how they work
Are prepaid phones right for you? Learn when and why a prepaid phone makes for a good alternative to contract plans with a phone carrier.
See moreSmartphonesiPhone 16 rumors: What to expect from Apple’s latest release
Stay updated on the latest iPhone 16 rumors, from the new A18 chip to iPhone 16 Pro Max battery upgrades. Discover all the expected changes ahead of Apple's big reveal.
See moreSmartphonesWhat are Back Market phone grades?
Phone grade conditions from Fair to Excellent, and now Premium, we break it down.
See moreSmartphonesiPhone 13 vs iPhone 14: which is better?
If you’re an iPhone user, you probably know that Apple comes out with “the most advanced iPhone ever” every single year, leading you to wonder if it's time for an upgrade. We’ll walk you through, detailing all the differences and similarities between the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 14 to help make that decision a little easier.
See moreSmartphonesiPhone vs. Android - Making the right choice for you
Get a sense of which operating system is best for work, play, and everything in between.
See moreSmartphonesWhy won’t my iPhone turn on? Possible causes and what to do
It’s frustrating when your iPhone won’t turn on. Get to the bottom of the issue as fast as possible by assessing causes and solutions.
See moreSmartphonesWhen is an iPhone battery replacement worth it?
Your phone is your lifeline. When an iPhone battery starts going bad, you can’t rely on it to keep a charge or perform when you need it most. Not to mention, it’s frustrating to deal with when trying to accomplish daily tasks. There are a few reasons your iPhone battery could be failing. Learn how to determine when an iPhone battery replacement is worth it — and what other actions you can take.
Tech Education
See moreTech EducationHow to clean your iPhone port without breaking it
It’s your turn to play engineer. Learn this quick and easy phone fixing hack for International Repair Day 2024.
See moreTech EducationYou don’t own your device. Manufacturers do.
Why you should care about the right to repair movement.
See moreTech EducationUnderstanding Apple device ecosystem
Is diving into the very wide world of Apple worthwhile? That depends on how you plan to use the ecosystem.
See moreTech EducationWhat does it mean when an item is open box?
Open Box electronics are products that have been returned after being unboxed but never or barely used. The reasons for returning can be a change of mind, receiving a different product, and so on. How is open box different from new, refurbished, and used?
See moreTech EducationRise of the dumbphones
From digital detoxing to Y2K fashion, here’s why young people are increasingly turning to phones that only provide the most basic functions.
See moreTech EducationThe history of cell phones: Dialing back the clock
The IBM Simon Personal Communicator (SPC) debuted in 1994, marking the first smartphone and touchscreen phone. Martin Cooper, a Motorola engineer, initiated the first cell phone call in New York City on April 3, 1973. The once-prominent BlackBerry ceased operations in 2022, succumbing to competition from Google and Apple. And by 2023, 97% of Americans possessed a cell phone, with 90% owning a smartphone.
See moreTech EducationDo you need a new phone battery?
We uncover the warning signs, replacement costs and how to upgrade sustainably.
See moreTech EducationOLED vs. QLED: The ultimate TV showdown
When comparing OLED vs. QLED, OLED wins in producing deep blacks and vibrant colors with wider viewing angles, while QLED offers top-notch brightness levels and may be more affordable. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual preferences and viewing conditions.
See moreTech EducationHow to choose the best tech for your college career
In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, you'll likely spend most of your college career working from a computer.
See moreTech EducationThe importance of affordable technology for college students
Published Aug 22, 2023 - Affordable technology is transforming the college experience, enhancing productivity, connectivity, and learning outcomes in a student’s educational journey.
Tech Experts
See moreTech ExpertsApple Keynote 2024: Our experts weigh in on the biggest announcements
Our Back Market tech experts, Luis De Los Santos & Kewin Charron, weigh in on the announcements from the 2024 Apple Keynote. What announcements stood out from the event? Are any of the iPhone 16 upgrades worth it? How will the new Apple models stack up to its predecessors? What are the newest innovations that we should know about? How will this impact the industry? We'll dive into these answers and more with Back Market's Refurbishment Operations Managers.
See moreTech ExpertsKeynote rumors: What is Apple launching in September 2024?
As Apple’s annual Keynote looms closer, Back Market stacks up the social media rumors to tell you what’s fake news and what we should be expecting.
See moreTech ExpertsLogging on with Jules Terpak
Gen Z’s biggest voice in tech stops by for a chat.
Audio
See moreAudioThe 7 best waterproof Bluetooth speakers
The right speaker can make or break a good time. To level up your listening experience, explore the best waterproof Bluetooth speakers for every scenario. And we’re not just talking about sound quality.
See moreAudioPixel Buds Pro vs. AirPods Pro: How do these wireless earbuds compare?
If you use Androids and love bass, Pixel Buds Pro rock with powerful sound and seamless connection. Prefer Apple products? AirPods Pro offers top-notch noise cancellation with balanced sound. Battery life and water resistance are similar for both, so pick what matches your listening style and devices.
See moreAudioRefurbished AirPods vs AirPods Pro: Which One Should You Buy?
Are AirPods Pro worth it? Find out the difference between AirPods vs AirPods Pro, and whether you should buy used or refurbished Apple Airpods.
See moreAudioAre Earbuds or Headphones Better? Choosing the Best Option for You
Earbuds and headphones are two of the most popular personal audio devices. If you have to make a choice between the two, it is important to consider how they differ and what your individual needs are.
See moreAudioBest headphone brands in 2024
When it comes to choosing the best headphones, sound quality, comfort, durability, and style are crucial factors. In 2024, with the headphone market more saturated than ever, it can be challenging to determine which brands stand out from the crowd. Let's take a look at the top 10 headphone brands of the year, considering expert opinions, Reddit user feedback, and overall brand reputation.
Computers
See moreComputersThe ultimate guide to buying a refurbished MacBook
If this is your first foray into the world of refurbished MacBooks, this guide will walk you through what you need to know before you make your choice.
See moreComputersChoosing the best Mac for everyday use
Whether you’re browsing the internet, handling documents, designing graphics, or binging Netflix, there’s a Mac that fits your lifestyle. Selecting the right Mac for everyday use involves knowing how you plan to use your new-to-you Apple device, so you can pick a model that balances performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. This guide will help you navigate your options and make an informed decision.
See moreComputersWhich processor should I choose for my MacBook?
We break down the pros and cons of Apple vs Intel.
See moreComputersHow to clean your laptop: an easy guide
Don’t know where to begin? We’ve got tips to ensure your device is squeaky inside and out.
See moreComputers5 Best Cheap Laptops Under $100
Looking for refurbished laptop deals? We've got you covered with these picks for the best cheap laptops for sale now.
See moreComputersWhy is my laptop keyboard not working? Causes and fixes
Laptops offer a powerful, portable way to connect with the world. However, they’re not always easy to fix when they break down. A malfunctioning laptop — particularly a malfunctioning keyboard — can be incredibly frustrating, as many people depend on their device for work or daily tasks. If your laptop keyboard stops working, it’s important to identify the root cause of the issue — and how to quickly fix it.
See moreComputersChromebook vs. laptop: What is the difference?
The differences between Chromebooks vs. laptops include portability, performance, operating systems, price, security, software, hardware, user interface, and battery life. Phew, it’s a long list. Each device has pros and cons surrounding features and capabilities like internal storage availability, processing power, and affordability.
See moreComputersLevel up with the best gaming laptops of 2024
Whether you’re slaying dragons, conquering galaxies, or building cities — this is your rundown of the best gaming laptops for any virtual adventure.
See moreComputersRefurbished iMac: how to get a quality iMac at a great price
Published Aug 18, 2023 - Equipped with top-quality components, iMacs are considered to be very robust and largely trouble-free. Tempted?
See moreComputersIs the Apple M2 chip in a MacBook worth the upgrade?
Updated Dec 13, 2023
See moreComputersMacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: What’s the difference and how to save the most
Published Sep 7, 2023 - Apple offers one of the best laptop computers on the market with their MacBook series. If you’ve ever considered buying one, you’ve probably had to make a decision between buying the MacBook Air or the MacBook Pro. Both of these machines have their pros and cons, but we’ll help you make the best decision, while saving some money on your next MacBook purchase.
See moreComputersWhere to land the best student discounts on Apple products
Apple student discounts are a great way to help college students save on some of the most advanced tech in the market. Back Market takes that a step further by offering all college and university students $20 off of already discounted Apple MacBooks, iMacs, iPads and even iPhones. Learn more about the Apple student discount and how students can find even bigger savings on Apple products.
See moreComputersThe 11 best student laptops for 2024
Published Feb 26, 2024 - The ideal student laptop will be lightweight with a long battery life for all those days you’ll spend on campus. You should also look for a keyboard that offers a comfortable typing experience, along with a processor and operating system that will keep up with your daily tasks.
See moreComputersMacBook Price Guide 2024
In 2024, you can get new MacBooks starting with the MacBook Air M2 at $999 at the Apple Store, but you'll find cheaper pricing starting around $780 for the same model when you shop refurbished. Apple currently only sells the most recent MacBook Air and MacBook Pro M2 or M3 models, but you'll find more of a selection to fit your budget on refurbished sites like Back Market.
See moreComputersWhere to buy refurbished MacBook Pro
Shop for refurbished MacBook Pro only from certified and trusted sellers. Back Market is a top option, as an online marketplace where we only allow retailers who meet our high quality refurbishment standard.
See moreComputersAre Refurbished Laptops Good? Top 5 Pros and Cons
Should you buy a refurbished laptop? If you're thinking about buying a renewed or refurbished laptop, here's what you need to know about the benefits and disadvantages of refurbished laptops.
Consoles & gaming
See moreConsoles & gamingHow the Switch brought Nintendo back from the brink
The Nintendo Switch has had endless popularity since its launch in 2017. Read how and why the console continues to capture fans worldwide.
See moreConsoles & gamingGaming console price guide 2024
Get the latest prices in 2024 for the Playstation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch and more. Find the lowest prices when you shop refurbished, where you'll find the most recent console models from $200-$500.
See moreConsoles & gamingNintendo Switch vs. Switch OLED: Is the upgrade worth it?
The Nintendo Switch OLED has significant display advantages over the original Switch, but many of the internal specs remain the same.
See moreConsoles & gamingIs Buying a Refurbished Xbox One Safe?
Find out if you should buy a refurbished Xbox One
See moreConsoles & gamingWhich video game console should I get? Your guide to the best gaming consoles
Updated Jan 4, 2024 - Trying to decide which is the best game console to buy? Whether choosing for yourself or as a gift, picking the best gaming system is never easy. Compare Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo consoles along with new, used, and refurbished options to make the perfect choice in line with your budget.
See moreConsoles & gamingXbox One vs. PlayStation 4: Which Refurbished Console Should I Get?
Find out which refurbished video game console is right for you
See moreConsoles & gamingAre Refurbished Nintendo Switches Good?
More about buying a used Nintendo Switch
Tablets
See moreTabletsComparing iPad sizes from every year (Including 2024 latest release)
Looking to buy an iPad? You may be asking yourself - Is the screen big enough? How light — or heavy — is it? Compare iPad sizes in one place below.
See moreTabletsUsing your iPad’s potential for business success
You never knew a tablet could bring this much convenience, power, and flexibility to your workflow.
See moreTabletsEnsuring your refurbished iPad stays up-to-date: A guide to iOS updates
Let's debunk this myth right from the start — a refurbished iPad model that’s still supported can receive iOS updates, the same as any newly bought iPad.
See moreTabletsIs it time to swap your Laptop for an iPad?
The right iPad can accomplish virtually everything most laptops can do. Read more below for our full breakdown.
See moreTabletsApple’s 2024 iPad release: features, specs, and buying guide for the latest models
The next-gen iPad has made its debut. Here’s what you need to know.
See moreTabletsWhich iPad should I buy? A model and price guide
Looking to buy an iPad but not sure which one exactly you should buy? Well you’ve come to the right place as there are four different versions of the iPad to choose from! And to make it more complex, each one belongs to a different generation, surpassing itself in each new release, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the latest is always the greatest - read our in-depth guide below to understand which generation meets your needs in terms of features, price, and size.
See moreTabletsTop refurbished iPad picks
Published March 3, 2023 - iPad Pro, iPad Air or iPad Pro - learn which iPad suits you best and how to get the most out of your budget when you buy refurbished.
See moreTabletsA guide to buying affordable and refurbished iPads
iPads are widely regarded as a trusted brand of smart tablet. However, you might be wondering whether their value holds up if you buy used or refurbished. Additionally, it will benefit you to be aware of various iterations of iPads that are relatively cheap compared to other options.
Smartwatches
See moreSmartwatch Articles and GuidesApple Watch Series 9 vs. Samsung Galaxy Watch 6: How do they stack up?
Both the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch are smartwatch powerhouses that cater to different preferences. The Apple Watch excels in iPhone integration, user-friendliness, and health features, while the Samsung Galaxy Watch offers wider customization, potentially longer battery life, and a classic watch design.
See moreSmartwatch Articles and GuidesIs a used Apple Watch 4 still worth it?
Here's why the Apple Watch 4 is still worth a look if you want to get a cheap Apple Watch this year.
See moreSmartwatch Articles and GuidesComparing the Apple Watch to the Amazfit GTS
Published Jun 28, 2023 - Which smartwatch should you buy?
See moreSmartwatch Articles and GuidesThe 3 Best Used Garmin Watches
These are the best used smartwatches for fitness tracking and much more.
See moreSmartwatch Articles and GuidesIs it a Good Idea to Buy the 1st Gen Apple Watch?
Updated Feb 01, 2023 - If you're in the market for an Apple Watch, you're likely shopping prices and wondering if it's a good idea to save by going with the 1st Gen model. While you won't get any new updates on that model, it's still an impressive piece of tech, and shopping for a reliable used Apple Watch will definitely save you some money.
Events
See moreEventsBest iPhone 14 Black Friday deals in 2024: Holiday discounts offered all year
When is the best time to buy an iPhone 14? You can look for Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals in 2024 or buy anytime on Back Market.
See moreEventsThe best gaming PC deals at Back Market for Black Friday 2024
When is the best time to buy a gaming PC? You can look for Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals in 2024 or buy anytime on Back Market. Here are some of our best discounts on gaming PCs just in time for your Holiday shopping.
See moreEventsBest Black Friday Xbox Series X deals in 2024: Holiday discounts offered all year
When is the best time to buy an Xbox Series X? You can look for Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals in 2024 or buy anytime on Back Market.
See moreEventsBest Black Friday PS5 deals in 2024: Holiday discounts offered all year
When is the best time to buy a PS5? You can look for Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals in 2024 or buy anytime on Back Market.
See moreEventsBest Black Friday iPhone 15 deals in 2024: Holiday discounts offered all year
When is the best time to buy an iPhone 15? You can look for Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals in 2024 or buy anytime on Back Market.
See moreEventsYour drawer of old tech is a problem
Journalists and experts took to the Climate Week NYC stage for our first Right to Repair event, to discuss the importance of circularity and repair within tech.
See moreEventsInside Back Market's 2024 Global Press Conference
To celebrate 10 years in refurbished, Back Market launches a suite of new features and partnerships, unveiling a rallying cry to "Downgrade now!"
See moreEventsHow Trade-in helps the planet — and your wallet
Published Oct 5, 2023 - Our trade in program is an easy, contract-free way to make cash, help the planet, and clear out your old tech.
See moreEventsWhat’s the difference between a locked and unlocked phone?
Published May 9, 2023 - What’s the difference between a locked and unlocked phone? We break it down to help you find the right phone for you.
See moreEventsWe’re officially a B Corp
Back Market has received B Corp status, joining companies like Patagonia as a certified "Benefit Company." Learn what this means for Back Market, and for you, as a customer of Back Market.
See moreEventsWe’ve prevented 1 million tons of carbon emissions
Published Mar 30, 2023 - Does choosing Back Market really prevent environmental damage? It definitely does, all thanks to purchases made by you. We've just hit 1 million tons of prevented CO2e.
See moreEventsThe environmental impact of refurbished tech
Published Jan 25, 2023
See moreEventsWhat does refurbished mean? Used vs. refurbished explained
Refurbished tech gets a professional makeover and functions like new, while used tech is sold "as-is" with no guarantees. Refurbished provides peace of mind and quality, while used offers potentially lower upfront costs but a higher risk of problems.
See moreEventsPhilanthropy at Back Market
Published January 13, 2023 - How Back Market gives back
See moreEventsBest Black Friday iPad Pro deals in 2024: Holiday discounts offered all year
When is the best time to buy an iPad Pro? You can look for Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals in 2024 or buy anytime on Back Market.
See moreEventsThe best iPhone 12 Black Friday deals are here
Get the biggest discounts on the iPhone 12 this year on Black Friday, Cyber Monday or any other day of the year when you shop on Back Market.
