Plug

At a glance

• Editor score
  7.1 / 10
• Pricing
  Paid
• Best for
  Buying refurbished tech and trading in by mail
• Facts checked
  4 Oct 2026

• Where it wins

  • Device inspection, cleaning, sanitization and grading before sale
  • Purchases include a 12-month warranty and 30-day return period
  • Mail-in trade-ins include a prepaid label and payout options

• Where it doesn't

  • Trade-ins are mail-in only
  • It sells pre-owned inventory rather than hosting peer-to-peer listings
  • Trade-in payout follows inspection, so the final amount may differ from the estimate

Our verdict on Plug

Plug sells certified pre-owned consumer electronics and accepts eligible devices for mail-in trade-in. It is aimed at consumers buying or selling personal technology, including phones, tablets, Mac computers, watches, audio devices, accessories and gaming devices. The service runs on web, iOS and Android, with order tracking and after-sales support available through its mobile app. Its stated model is store inventory plus trade-in and buyback, rather than peer-to-peer listings, so it suits people who want to buy from a retailer or send a device in rather than negotiate directly with another seller.

For purchases, Plug describes a 90+ point inspection process, along with cleaning, sanitization and grading. Buyers get a 12-month warranty and a 30-day return period; shipping is included, and buyer protection is listed as part of the marketplace offering. Those protections make the purchase side more structured than an informal resale exchange, while the grading and inspection are central to evaluating pre-owned condition. Shoppers who need new devices or prefer to assess an item in person may want a different route; the published offer is centered on certified pre-owned inventory.

Trade-ins are handled by mail: Plug provides an online estimate and prepaid shipping label, then inspects the device before issuing store credit or a digital payout. That process is convenient for consumers comfortable shipping their device, but the estimate precedes inspection, so the eventual payout is determined after Plug evaluates it. The company describes the trade-in program as mail-in only. The mobile app adds order tracking and after-sales support, with email listed as a support channel. Plug is a better fit for an individual seeking a managed buyback and purchase process than for sellers looking for a peer-to-peer marketplace or a business seller program.

Plug pricing

Plug fact sheet

Alternatives to Plug

• ARAmazon RenewedA broad refurbished marketplace with seller qualification and a buyer guarantee.9.2
• BMBack MarketBuy refurbished tech from professional sellers or trade in an eligible device.8.8
• ACApple Certified RefurbishedApple-backed testing, parts, and warranty make this a focused choice for refurbished Apple devices.8.7

See all Plug alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 4 Oct 2026 · How we research and update