You may also be interested in how to buy ethical and eco-friendly electronics, the best technology for buying and selling, what to think about before buying a used smartphone, and how to dispose of your electronics responsibly.
Updated March 2026: I’ve added some tips for shopping, new links to updated sellers, and advice about what to do after purchasing.
What does refurbished mean?
There is no legal definition of renewal. Some sellers prefer used, pre-loved, secondhand, refurbished—the list goes on. Refurbished means that the seller has tested the device and may have repaired and cleaned it, but the only way to know for sure is to read the fine print and understand what the seller means by each term used.
If you’re lucky, you might get an open-box device, one that the buyer has opened but never actually used. Sellers are not legally allowed to resell returned devices as new, and it is common for all returns to be sold in one location. At the other end of the scale, you may end up with a device that looks like it survived the apocalypse and doesn’t work.
Tips for Shopping Refurbished
I’ll recommend some good places to buy refurbished electronics below, but first, let’s figure out what you should look for in a seller and what you need to do to protect yourself when buying.
Buying used electronics is often a great way to save money, but there are a few things to keep in mind. For example, it may make more sense to buy a discounted flagship phone from a few years ago rather than a brand new budget phone, but there are some potential disadvantages. Always consider software updates and ask:
- How many years will the product receive software updates?
- For how long will it continue to receive security updates?
- What version of software does it come with?
- How easy is it to update the software?
In addition to finding out what the seller means by renovation, you should read any potential shopping list very carefully and try to answer questions like these:
- Has it been tested and does everything work?
- Does it have a new battery or is there any guarantee about battery health? (This is important for older phones and laptops.)
- If a previous user set it has it been erased?
- Is there any cosmetic damage like scratches or cracks? (Look for a transparent grading system.)
- What’s included? (Does it come with charger, cable, manual and original packaging?)
- Is there any warranty given? (The longer the better.)
- How do returns work if there is a problem? Do you have to pay and what is the return window?
If you are unsure about something, it is worth asking before purchasing to avoid disappointment.
Photograph: Simon Hill
There are protections for purchases, such as Section 170 of the Fair Credit Billing Act in the US or Section 75 in the UK. But you should use a credit card for purchases and avoid going through a third-party payment service like PayPal to get the best charge-back protection. Some banks and credit card companies are better than others, so it’s worth researching their reputation and the security they offer.
If you can inspect and test equipment before purchasing, do so. Otherwise, you should examine any device closely and test it thoroughly when purchasing it. Remember that there is a limited window to report any defects or problems with condition and return the item. Always keep the box and packaging it came in, at least until you are satisfied that you will not need to return it.
You’ve done your initial testing and decided that you’re keeping the refurbished device you purchased, but there are still a few things you might want to consider before you start using it.
Best Places to Buy Refurbished Electronics
Photograph: Simon Hill
You have a vast choice when purchasing refurbished electronics, so let’s discuss your options.
We’ve had some good experiences purchasing refurbished devices from their original manufacturers, which makes sense since they know exactly how to test and repair their devices. All of these manufacturers certify the refurbished devices they sell, and most offer at least a one-year warranty, but savings vary; For example, Apple offers discounts of up to 15 percent, while Dell offers discounts of up to 50 percent.
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