That's the big advantage, but there are downsides: You're not getting a brand new device, which means it might not look pristine, and it could come with issues or technical faults attached. The SSD inside a two-year-old laptop won't be quite as speedy as one inside a new model, for example.
For the purposes of this article, "refurbished" means a device that's been returned to the manufacturer for some reason, and then checked and cleared for resale, typically with a limited warranty attached. If something is "used," it usually comes from a private seller, with fewer guarantees about future performance.
Why go used or refurbished?
Opting for a used device means you can save even more, but the risks are greater—each deal is different, but you're looking at everything from 10-year-old phones that people are about to throw away to nearly new laptops that were unwanted gifts. The range in terms of quality and reliability is a lot greater here.
The Apple refurbished store is one place to save money. Credit: LifehackerThere's also the environmental angle: You're picking up a device that might otherwise get thrown away, extending its lifespan and reducing e-waste. A lot of energy and resources go into manufacturing new devices, so if you're buying used or refurbished on a regular basis, you're contributing less to that.
What to watch out for when you're buying used tech
First and foremost, look who you're buying from, and adjust your skepticism accordingly. There are refurbished items from big name manufacturers sold through official stores at one end of the spectrum, and used gadgets from someone you've never heard of, with zero seller ratings, at the other.
When it comes to refurbished items, look carefully at the device's ratings in terms of performance and damage, any warranty that's being offered with the gadget, and what the returns policy is. Check what accessories (like a charger) are included, as otherwise you'll need to buy these separately.
You can find a wide range of gadgets on eBay—but check the listings carefully. Credit: LifehackerAlways check the age of a device, too. Software updates are only issued for so long (usually around seven years for phones for example), and you don't want to end up with something that's immediately outdated. The always-helpful End of Life website can tell you when a lot of popular gadgets are going to become obsolete.
The best places to buy used and refurbished tech
eBay has its pros and its cons, but it remains one of the best places to pick up used tech, as long as you do it carefully. The platform runs the full gamut from official retailers to individuals, so there's a lot here to pick through, thd there are some great deals to be had. Look for items with the eBay Money Back Guarantee offered.
Back Market lets you easily browse by category. Credit: LifehackerSwappa is a bit of a mix of eBay and Back Market. It's mostly third-party resellers who do business here, though there are individual sellers too. All listings are reviewed by Swappa staff and are clearly categorized, and you can see at a glance a number of key details: the specs, the condition, and (sometimes) a limited warranty.
Amazon Renewed is worth a look if you're prioritizing convenience and safety: The shopping experience is integrated right into the Amazon website, and everything comes with a 90-day guarantee window for returning items. The quality on offer can vary, so check listings carefully, in terms of item condition and bundled accessories.
Then you've got the official refurbished outlets, including Apple, Samsung, and Dell. These score highly on reliability and trustworthiness, though the savings are likely to be less significant. You get less information on individual items as everything is done in bulk, but the guarantees and warranties are excellent—in the case of Apple, for example, you get a one-year limited warranty.
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