What to Look for When Buying Refurbished Equipment (and the Best Sites)
With memory prices constantly rising and AI infrastructure needs growing, it’s hard to find great deals on hardware—though the Lifehacker team is always here to help —and buying used or refurbished devices can save you significant money.
This is the main advantage, but there are also disadvantages: you’re not getting a brand-new device, which means it may not look perfect and may have issues or technical problems. For example, the SSD in a two-year-old laptop won’t be as fast as in a new model.
It’s a bit of a gamble, but you can improve your chances of success by knowing where to shop and what to look for—and there are certainly used and refurbished items out there that are nearly perfect in appearance and performance, so you get significant savings without making any major compromises.
For the purposes of this article, “refurbished” refers to a device that has been returned to the manufacturer for any reason, inspected, and approved for resale, typically with a limited warranty. If a device is considered “used,” it is typically purchased from a private seller, and its warranty is less extensive.
Why buy used or refurbished items?
Buying used or refurbished devices isn’t the best option, and if your budget allows, it’s probably best to buy new: you get a pristine, brand-new device and a reasonable warranty against damage (which will vary depending on the type of gadget and where you bought it). However, with refurbished items, it’s sometimes the case that they’re returned simply because they were opened, the box was damaged, or they were on display in a store—essentially, you’re getting something almost as good as new, but for a fraction of the price.
Choosing a used device can save you even more, but the risks are also higher. Every transaction is unique, but we’re talking about a wide range of items: from 10-year-old phones people are planning to throw away to nearly new laptops received as unwanted gifts. The range of quality and reliability is much wider here.
The main reason to choose used or refurbished devices is the opportunity to save money, especially if you don’t care too much about the perfect condition of the item and especially if you’re knowledgeable about the specific model you’re buying. This means you’ll be better able to find great deals than others and be able to perform some upgrades or repairs yourself after purchasing the device.
There’s also an environmental benefit: you’re purchasing a device that would otherwise be discarded, extending its lifespan and reducing e-waste. Manufacturing new devices requires significant energy and resources, so by regularly purchasing used or refurbished devices, you’re making a smaller impact.
Keep in mind that many other people are also saving this way, and competition for the best deals can be fierce (there will even be those who buy appliances, repair or polish them, and then sell them). The decision to do this can be more stressful or more enjoyable, depending on your perspective.
What to look for when buying used equipment
First, consider who you’re buying from and adjust your skepticism accordingly. At one end of the spectrum are refurbished products from reputable manufacturers sold through official stores, while at the other end are used gadgets from unknown sellers with zero ratings.
This doesn’t mean you can’t get a good deal from someone without a sales history on a private marketplace, but in such cases, the risk of being scammed is significantly higher. If you’re buying from a private seller, check reviews from other buyers, if any, and take them into account when making your purchase decision.
When purchasing refurbished products, carefully review the device’s specifications (performance, damage), warranty, and return policies. Check which accessories (such as a charger) are included; otherwise, you’ll have to purchase them separately.
When buying used gadgets, try to get as much information as possible from the product description. Ideally, you should see plenty of photos (from different angles) and a detailed list of specifications, but if that’s not enough, don’t hesitate to ask. It’s especially important to check the battery condition and capacity, as this is one area where older devices can have problems.
Always check the age of your device. Software updates are released for a limited time (usually about seven years for phones, for example), and you don’t want to end up with a device that’s immediately outdated. The ever-useful End of Life website can tell you when many popular gadgets will become obsolete.
The more expensive the device you buy, the more caution you need to exercise: not only do you risk losing more money, but you’ll also encounter more scams. And speaking of price: also check the current prices for the new version of whatever you’re buying—for some devices, the savings may not be worth it.
The best places to buy used and refurbished equipment.
eBay has its pros and cons, but it remains one of the best places to buy used electronics if you shop carefully. The platform covers a wide range of products, from authorized retailers to private sellers, so there’s plenty to choose from and great deals to be found. Look for items with eBay’s money-back guarantee.
Back Market has long established itself as a reliable store for those who refurbish equipment, significantly simplifying the process of purchasing refurbished devices. The site operates much like a regular retail store, and you can quickly find information about the condition of each item, as well as how it was inspected and refurbished. You can also read numerous user reviews.
Swappa is a cross between eBay and Back Market. It’s primarily run by third-party resellers, though some individuals do sell. All listings are reviewed by Swappa staff, clearly categorized, and you can see key details at a glance: specifications, condition, and (sometimes) a limited warranty.
Gazelle specializes exclusively in phones and tablets and prides itself on its simplicity and ease of use. The company offers its own certification system for refurbished goods, so you can purchase gadgets that have been returned or exchanged. They offer a 30-day return period and detailed information about each item, including its cosmetic appearance.
If convenience and security are important to you, consider Amazon Renewed : the shopping process is integrated directly into the Amazon website, and all products come with a 90-day return guarantee. The quality of the products offered may vary, so check the descriptions carefully, paying attention to the condition of the item and the presence of accessories.
Then there are official stores selling refurbished equipment, including Apple , Samsung , and Dell . They are highly regarded for their reliability and trustworthiness, although the savings are likely to be less significant. You get less information about individual products since everything is sold in bulk, but the warranties and service conditions are excellent—for example, with Apple, you get a one-year limited warranty.