Back Market or Refurbed? Two years ago, most would've bet on Back Market – bigger player, more selection, better-known name. Now the numbers tell a different story: Refurbed has overtaken the Paris-based giant in the German market. And it's not even close.
According to E-commerce Germany News, Refurbed reached EUR 283.4M GMV in 2024 (+38.6% year-over-year). Back Market came in at EUR 193.1M (+10.8%). In Statista's ranking of German consumer electronics stores, Refurbed now sits at #8, with Back Market following at #9.
The Numbers Compared
Who wins the direct Back Market vs Refurbed comparison for Germany? The following metrics tell the story:
| Metric | Refurbed | Back Market |
|---|---|---|
| GMV Germany 2024 | EUR 283.4M | EUR 193.1M |
| YoY Growth | +38.6% | +10.8% |
| Ranking (DE) | #8 | #9 |
| Global GMV | US$778M | US$2.42B |
Wait – how does that add up? Globally, Back Market dominates with US$2.42B. Refurbed's US$778M looks almost modest by comparison. But in Germany, the tables have turned. Why?
Why Is Refurbed Growing Faster Compared to Back Market?
Refurbed bets on focus. Instead of competing in 18 markets simultaneously (like Back Market), the Vienna-based startup concentrates on German-speaking markets. Fewer markets, deeper penetration.
The result: over 1 million customers in Germany alone and EUR 1.5 billion in cumulative sales since their 2017 founding (according to OMR Reviews). Not bad for a seven-year-old company.
Then there's the sustainability angle. Refurbed plants a tree for every device sold. In a market where Market Research Future identifies "rising consumer demand for sustainable options" as the main growth driver, that's a real advantage. For details on offers and warranty terms, check out Refurbed's provider profile.
Back Market Still Leads Globally
Despite the German setback, Back Market plays in a different league. The Paris-based company achieved profitability in 13 European markets during 2024, according to Sacra. Their revenue hit $415.19M.
New for 2024: Back Market launched a repair platform in Germany, France, and Spain. Starting at EUR 6.99 per month, the service promises unlimited repairs. It's a smart move to boost customer retention, since Sacra data shows the average Back Market customer only buys twice, constrained by 40-month smartphone upgrade cycles. Current deals and prices can be found at Back Market's offers on refurbito.
Saturn Falls, Refurbished Rises
While Saturn and others struggle, refurbished platforms are booming. Coincidence? Hardly.
Saturn's a good example: -10.4% GMV, stores shrunk from 150 to 87 (The Munich Eye). Today's phone buyers don't go to the mall – they compare prices online. And for refurbished devices, that's easiest from the couch. Platforms like Back Market and Refurbed are growing fast.
The German refurbished market is growing from USD 5.48B (2024) to USD 24.1B (2035) – more than quadrupling in eleven years (according to Market Research Future). That's 14.42% annually. No wonder everyone wants in.
What 2026 Brings for Back Market and Refurbed
For 2025, E-commerce Germany News projects Refurbed growth of +18.7% (to US$923M) and Back Market growth of +4.4% (to US$2.53B). The gap between them is narrowing "for the first time in years."
There's also the EU Right to Repair Directive (2024/1799) taking effect on July 31, 2026. Back Market is already positioning itself with the repair service. Refurbed should benefit too, since more repair-friendly devices mean more supply for refurbished products. You can already compare refurbished smartphones and find the best deals now.
Bottom Line: Both Win, But Differently
Who wins? Both – just differently. The market grows at 14.42% annually. At those rates, there's plenty of room for different strategies.
Refurbed wins in Germany through focus and sustainability. Back Market wins globally through scale and new services like their repair offering.
For buyers, this means more choice, more competition, better prices. For more details on all providers, check out our comprehensive store comparison. And if you can't decide between them, just compare prices on refurbito.
