How to Buy Used or Refurbished Electronics (2026)

You can save Money and help save the planet by buying used or refurbished electronics instead of new ones. Since most of the environmental impact of equipment comes from the manufacturing stage, purchasing used equipment can reduce your carbon footprint. Do it right, and purchasing refurbished products can feel like buying new. This guide delves into what you need to know about refurbished terms, offers tips on what to look for to get the best deals, and lists some of the best places to buy refurbished gadgets and used electronics.

You may also be interested in how to buy ethical and environmentally friendly electronics, the best techniques for buying and selling, what to think about before buying a used smartphone, and how to responsibly dispose of your electronic devices.

Updated March 2026: I’ve added some buying tips, new links to refurbished sellers, and tips on what to do after purchasing.

What does renewal mean?

There is no legal definition of renewal. Some sellers prefer used, pre-loved, used, refurbished, and the list goes on. Refurbished means the seller has tested the device and possibly 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 whatever term they use.

If you’re lucky, you might get an open-box device, which 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 at the same place. At the other end of the scale, you may end up with a device that looks like it has survived the apocalypse and doesn’t work.

Tips for purchasing a renovation

I’ll recommend some good places to buy refurbished electronics below, but first, let’s explore what you should look for in a seller and what you need to do to protect yourself when purchasing.

Although purchasing old electronics is often a great way to save money, there are some things to keep in mind. Buying a discounted flagship phone from a couple of years ago may make more sense than buying a new budget phone, for example, but there are also some potential downsides. Always think about software updates and ask:

• How many additional years of software updates will the product receive?
• How long will you continue to get security updates?
• What version of the software does it come with?
• How easy is it to update the software?

Aside from knowing what the seller means by replenishment, you should read the listing for any potential purchase very carefully and try to answer questions like these:

• Has it been tested and does everything work?
• Does it have a new battery or a warranty on the health of the battery? (This is crucial for older phones and laptops.)
• Has it been erased if a previous user set it up?
• Are there any cosmetic damages such as scratches or cracks? (Look for a transparent rating system.)
• What is included? (Does it come with chargers, cables, manuals and original packaging?)
• Is there any warranty provided? (The more the better.)
• If there is a problem, how are returns processed? Do you have to pay, and what is the return period?

If you’re not sure about anything, it’s worth asking before purchasing to avoid disappointment.

Photo: Simon Hill

There are protections for purchases, such as Section 170 of the Fair Credit Billing Act in the United States or Section 75 in the United Kingdom. But you should use a credit card for purchases for the best chargeback protection and avoid going through a third-party payment service, like PayPal. Some banks and credit card companies are better than others, so it pays to research their reputation and the protection they offer.

If you can inspect and test the hardware before purchasing, do so. Otherwise, you should thoroughly inspect and test any device you purchase immediately upon receipt. Remember, there is a limited window to report any errors or condition issues and return the item. Always keep the box and packaging they arrived in at least until you are satisfied that you will not need to return them.

You’ve done your initial tests and decided that you’ll keep the refurbished device you purchased, but there are still a few things you might consider doing before you start using it.

Best places to buy refurbished electronics

Photo: Simon Hill

You have a lot of choice when purchasing refurbished electronics, so let’s break down your options.

We’ve had some good experiences purchasing refurbished devices from original manufacturers, which makes sense because they know precisely how to test and repair their own 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 a discount of up to 15 percent, while Dell offers a discount of up to 50 percent.