With AI infrastructure demands continuing to push up memory prices, it's tough to find good value for your tech purchases right now—though the Lifehacker team is always trying its best to help out—and buying used or refurbished can save you a substantial amount of money.
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.
It's something of a gamble, then, but you can make sure the odds are in your favor by knowing where to buy from and what to look for—and there are definitely used and refurbished items out there that are close to perfect in terms of looks and performance, so you're getting big savings without any real trade-offs.
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?
Used or refurbished isn't the route everyone should go down, and if you've got the budget, then buying new is probably best: You get an untouched, factory-fresh device, and plenty of cover if something is wrong with it (which will depend on what type of gadget it is and where you bought it from). With refurbished items, though, sometimes an item will have been returned just because it was opened or the box was damaged, or it was on display in a store—you're essentially getting something that's almost as good as brand new, for a lot less.
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 big reason to go used or refurbished is the amount of money you can save, especially if you're not particularly worried about getting something in perfect condition, and extra especially if you know a lot about the particular type of tech you're buying—which means you should be able to spot great deals better than most, and can do a few upgrades or repairs of your own once you've got your device.
There'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.
Bear in mind that a lot of other people are saving money this way too, and the competition can be fierce when it comes to grabbing the best deals (there will also be those out there who are buying tech, repairing or polishing it, and selling it). Deciding to do this can be more stressful or more fun, depending on your perspective.
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.
That's not to say you can't pick up a great bargain from a person with no selling history on a personal marketplace—but there's much more of a risk of being ripped off in these scenarios. If you are buying from an individual, look at feedback left from other buyers, if there are any, and factor this into your buying decision.
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.
For used gadgets, try and get as much information as you can from the item listing. Ideally, you want to see a lot of pictures (from various angles) and a detailed specs list, but if there isn't enough, don't be afraid to ask: It's particularly important to check on battery health and capacity, as this is one of the areas where older tech can be problematic.
Always 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 more expensive the device you're shopping for, the more careful you need to be: Not only do you stand to lose more money, you'll come across more scammers. And speaking of price, check the current prices for the new version of whatever it is you're buying, too—on some devices, the savings might not be worth it.
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 has long been a trusted outlet for refurbishers, and it takes a lot of the stress and hassle out of buying refurbed tech. The site works a lot like a regular retail store, and you can quickly get information on the condition each item is in, and how it's been checked and restored. There are lots of user reviews to look through as well.
Swappa 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.
Gazelle is exclusively for phones and tablets, and prides itself on its simplicity and ease of use. It offers its own in-house certification process for refurbished items, so you're buying gadgets that have been returned or traded in directly. There's a 30-day return window, plus plenty of information on each item, including cosmetic condition.
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.
