"Back Market wins Stiftung Warentest test." You've probably seen that headline a few times. And you've probably wondered: Does that mean I should buy from them? Is it automatically the best shop for me?
Honest answer: It depends.
Stiftung Warentest enjoys enormous trust in Germany, and rightfully so. But their refurbished tests have a gap: price. It doesn't factor into the quality rating at all. A shop can be "test winner" and still charge 20 percent more than the competition.
What refurbished actually means is explained in our Refurbished Guide. This article focuses on the Stiftung Warentest tests and how to use their results for your purchase decision. Plus: How to combine test results with price comparison to get the best deal.
Overview of Stiftung Warentest Refurbished Tests
Stiftung Warentest has conducted two major tests on refurbished products. Both deserve a closer look.
Refurbished Phone Test (March 2023)
The Stiftung Warentest smartphone test from March 2023 examined nine providers. Testers purchased 45 smartphones total (five per shop) in the lowest quality tier. Why the lowest? To check whether shops deliver what they promise.
The results:
6 out of 9 shops received a "good" rating
Back Market won among platforms with an overall grade of 1.8
Rebuy was rated best online retailer with a grade of 2.2
Asgoodasnew and Clevertronic also scored "good"
3 shops landed at "satisfactory," including Refurbed and Buyzoxs
Refurbished Laptop Test (September 2025)
The more recent Stiftung Warentest laptop test from September 2025 examined eight providers with 40 laptops (five per shop). Tested devices included Lenovo ThinkPads and MacBook Air models.
The results:
4 out of 8 shops received a "good" rating
afb social & green IT won as test leader among online retailers with a grade of 2.2
Apple Refurbished also scored very well
Weighting criteria differed from the smartphone test
What stands out: Over two years separate these tests. The refurbished phone test is now almost three years old. That matters because the market has changed since then.
What the Test Criteria Actually Mean
Here's where the devil is in the details. The weighting of criteria explains why a "test winner" isn't automatically the best deal for you.
Smartphone Test: The Weighting
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Smartphone quality (battery, function, condition) | 65% |
| Purchase and service | 35% |
These numbers reveal more than you think.
Two-thirds of the grade depends on hardware: Does everything work? Does the battery last? Does the device look as promised? A shop could have the nicest customer service in the world – if the refurbished devices are junk, it still gets a bad grade.
The remaining 35 percent evaluates the overall experience. Is the website transparent? Does ordering work smoothly? Does support respond when something goes wrong? That counts too – but less than the quality of the devices themselves.
Laptop Test: The Weighting
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Laptop quality | 40% |
| Battery performance | 20% |
| Purchase and service | 40% |
Here it's distributed differently. Service counts as much as device quality. Battery gets its own category, which makes sense for laptops.
What Gets Measured
Testers check five areas – and any one can be a deal-breaker:
Functionality: Do all components work flawlessly? A smartphone with a broken camera fails, no matter how cheap.
Battery condition: How long does the battery last compared to new devices? Some tested devices had under 80 percent of original capacity.
Condition description: Does the shop deliver what it promises? 9 out of 45 smartphones were worse than stated.
Purchase process: Is ordering transparent and straightforward? Hidden fees or unclear return policies cost points.
Customer service: Does someone respond to inquiries? Testers contacted every shop – not all responded.
What Does NOT Get Measured
And here's the catch:
Prices don't factor into the rating. The Stiftung Warentest refurbished tests documented prices and calculated savings compared to new devices. But this data has no influence on the test grade. A shop can score top marks for quality while charging more than competitors.
That's not criticism of the Stiftung Warentest methodology. Testers aim to objectively measure quality. But for you as a buyer, it means: The quality rating alone isn't enough for a complete purchase decision.
Key Stiftung Warentest Refurbished Results in Detail
Let's look at what these refurbished tests specifically showed.
Quality Fluctuations Are Real
According to Stiftung Warentest, of 45 tested smartphones, 7 devices arrived in better condition than stated, while 9 were worse than promised. That's a fluctuation rate of about 16 percent in both directions.
What does this mean? Even with "good" rated shops, you might occasionally receive a device that doesn't match the description. These findings from the refurbished test emphasize the importance of the 14-day return policy. Use it.
Concrete Price Savings
The tests also documented savings:
Smartphones (Refurbished Phone Test 2023):
Samsung Galaxy S20: over €300 cheaper than new
iPhone 11: €230 savings compared to the cheapest new price at the time
Laptops (Test 2025):
Windows laptops: €850 to €1,200 savings
MacBooks: €160 to €480 savings
These numbers show the potential. But they're snapshots from the test period. Compare current iPhone prices directly at refurbito. You can also compare MacBook deals at refurbito to find the best current prices.
Best Refurbished Shops Germany According to Test
| Category | Test Winner | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Smartphone platforms | Back Market | 1.8 |
| Smartphone retailers | Rebuy | 2.2 |
| Laptop retailers | afb social & green IT | 2.2 |
| Laptop (manufacturer shop) | Apple Refurbished | very good |
The Stiftung Warentest refurbished results show who the best refurbished shops in Germany are. But remember: This rating is based purely on quality and service, not prices.
Quality Grades: Understanding Grade A, B, C
Grade A at one shop can mean something completely different than Grade A at another. Most buyers don't know this – and that's where the unpleasant surprises lurk.
There's No Unified Standard
The German Consumer Protection Center (Verbraucherzentrale) points out that there are no supreme court decisions on refurbishment terminology. There's no unified standard for refurbished devices, as the test shows. Grade A at Shop X can mean something different than Grade A at Shop Y.
Generally speaking:
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| Grade A / A+ / Like New | Minimal to no visible signs of use |
| Grade B / Good | Light scratches or scuffs, fully functional |
| Grade C / Acceptable | Clear signs of use, but technically flawless |
But every shop defines this slightly differently. Some distinguish between A, A+, and A+++, others don't. A detailed explanation of all condition grades can be found in our Condition Guide.
What This Means for You
- Read the condition description carefully. Not just the letter, but what the shop means by it.
- Look at example photos when available.
- Use the first 14 days to thoroughly test the device. Remember that refurbished doesn't always mean the same thing – the test confirmed this.
Philipp Gattner from rebuy warns: "Low quality standards could damage the entire industry's reputation." The Stiftung Warentest refurbished test focuses on consistency. Shops rather than individual devices are evaluated. The consistency of quality promises is what matters.
Insider Tip: Grade B and C Are Often Underrated
Honest? Grade A is a waste of money for many people.
If you're putting the device in a case anyway, you'll never see the scratches. Yet you pay 20 to 30 percent more for a pristine exterior. An iPhone 13 in Grade B works just as well as Grade A – but costs €100 less.
Stiftung Warentest actually ordered intentionally in the lowest quality tier to check exactly this consistency. The result? Most devices were technically flawless. Scratches on the frame don't change battery life.
Environmental Impact: What the Fraunhofer Study Shows
Many people buy refurbished for environmental reasons too. But do the numbers you see everywhere actually hold up? A study by Fraunhofer Austria, verified according to ISO 14040/44 standards, provides reliable data.
The Hard Facts
| Environmental Factor | Savings Through Refurbished |
|---|---|
| CO₂ emissions | 69-91% (average: 80%) |
| Electronic waste | 60-93% (average: 73%) |
| Water consumption | 86-97% (average: 90%) |
These figures are based on a life cycle assessment of over 10,000 devices, including 4,000 smartphones, 1,500 tablets, and 5,000 laptops.
Concrete Example: iPhone 11
A refurbished iPhone 11 saves about 56 kg CO₂ according to Fraunhofer research. For context: That's equivalent to driving about 350 kilometers by car.
A new iPhone 11 causes 72 kg CO₂ during production. Refurbishment only adds 2.8 kg for processing, plus the device's existing embodied carbon. Total: 15.7 kg instead of 72 kg.
Scaled to the German Market
According to GfK data, approximately 2 million refurbished smartphones were sold in Germany within 12 months. At an average of 56 kg CO₂ savings per device, that's over 112,000 tons of CO₂.
This isn't a marketing claim. It's ISO-verified science. The difference from "some random numbers" matters.
Price Comparison: The Missing Test Factor
Now we get to the point that Stiftung Warentest deliberately excludes. Not because it's unimportant, but because it falls outside their quality focus.
Why Prices Aren't in the Rating
Stiftung Warentest wants to measure which shops reliably deliver good quality. Prices change daily. A price comparison would be outdated by publication.
That makes sense. But it also means: A test winner isn't automatically the cheapest provider. The best refurbished shops from the test offer different prices – comparison is always worthwhile.
What the Tests Still Showed
During the test period, testers did record prices:
Refurbished smartphones were 30-50% cheaper than new devices
Laptops offered savings of €160 to €1,200
But these prices apply to October 2022 (refurbished phone test) and April-June 2025 (laptop test) respectively. Today's prices may look different.
The Solution: Test Results Plus Price Comparison
Here's where Stiftung Warentest refurbished results and a price comparison work together:
- The tests show you which shops are trustworthy. Quality and service check out.
- A price comparison shows you which of these trustworthy shops currently has the best price.
This isn't either/or. It's one after the other.
At refurbito, you can do exactly that: Compare prices at tested retailers like Back Market, Rebuy, Refurbed, and others. This way you find the best deal at a shop you can trust – more in our complete merchant comparison.
How to Use Stiftung Warentest Refurbished Results for Your Purchase
Enough theory. You want to know how to proceed with your next purchase. Here's the step-by-step plan:
Step 1: Understand What You Want to Buy
Which device? (Smartphone, laptop, tablet)
Which model specifically?
What condition is acceptable for you?
Step 2: Check the Stiftung Warentest Refurbished Test Results
Look at the relevant refurbished test:
Which shops were rated "good" or better?
Were there any issues with your preferred shop?
Step 3: Compare Current Prices
Use a price comparison to check current offers at well-rated shops. Prices change. What was cheap a year ago might not be today.
Step 4: Read the Condition Description Carefully
Don't just read "Grade A," but what the shop specifically means by it. Look at photos if available.
Step 5: Use the 14-Day Period Consistently
When the device arrives:
Test all functions (camera, speakers, microphone, buttons)
Test battery life
Compare the condition with the description
If something doesn't match: Use your return right. That's not distrust. That's quality control.
What to Consider If a Shop Wasn't Tested
Not every shop appears in Stiftung Warentest. As c't editor Jan Schüßler explains, you can identify the best refurbished providers by:
Precise condition descriptions with a legend
Clear warranty explanations
Return policies exceeding the statutory 14 days
EU location for easier communication
This checklist is based directly on the Stiftung Warentest refurbished test criteria.
Your Rights When Buying Refurbished
A brief detour into consumer law, because this is often misunderstood.
Warranty vs. Guarantee
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Statutory warranty (Gewährleistung) | Legal entitlement, 12 months from commercial sellers for used goods |
| Voluntary guarantee (Garantie) | Voluntary commitment by the retailer, can be longer |
With refurbished from commercial sellers, you have at least 12 months of statutory warranty. Many shops voluntarily offer more:
Rebuy: 36 months
Asgoodasnew: 30 months
Most others: 12-24 months
The 14-Day Return Right
For online purchases, you can return within 14 days without giving reasons. That's not goodwill. That's law.
Use this time to really test the device. Don't just unbox and celebrate. Go through all the functions.
Checklist for the First 14 Days
Based on Stiftung Warentest refurbished test criteria, you should check:
[ ] Display: Dead pixels, scratches, touchscreen responsiveness
[ ] Battery: Charge capacity, runtime under load
[ ] Cameras: All lenses, focus, image quality
[ ] Speakers and microphone: Sound quality, interference
[ ] Buttons: All physical buttons work
[ ] Ports: Charging port, headphone jack (if present)
[ ] Software: Updates possible, no locks
If something's wrong: Use your return right. That's not excessive. That's quality assurance.
The German Refurbished Market: Numbers and Facts
Finally, some context so you can see where the market stands.
Market Size and Growth
The German refurbished market reached a value of $2.94 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $11.39 billion by 2034, according to Expert Market Research. That's annual growth of over 14 percent.
Germany in European Comparison
A Vodafone survey shows: Only 25 percent of Germans have purchased a refurbished smartphone. In France it's 38 percent, in the UK 33 percent.
This means: The German market still has significant potential. And with better education (like this article), that could change.
Why This Matters
The larger the market, the more competition. More competition means better prices and higher quality standards. Stiftung Warentest refurbished tests contribute by identifying bad actors and highlighting the best refurbished shops.
Conclusion
Stiftung Warentest refurbished tests are valuable orientation. They show which shops consistently deliver good quality and which fall short of their promises.
But they don't answer every question. Current prices, individual availability, personal preferences for condition grades. You need to figure that out yourself.
The good news: You don't need hours of research. With the knowledge from this article, you can properly contextualize the test results. With the Stiftung Warentest refurbished results as a foundation and a current price comparison, you'll definitely find the best deal at a trustworthy shop.
Buying refurbished isn't a compromise solution. It's a smart decision for your wallet and the environment. Stiftung Warentest tests confirm the quality is there. The rest is price comparison.
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