Refurbished items are a useful way to trim costs on big-ticket purchases.
If you haven’t bought refurbished gear before, you might worry about how well it performs. Rest assured: refurbished products from trustworthy sellers can feel just like brand-new devices.
Apple, for instance, regularly lists refurbished iPhones, iPads and Macs for significantly less than brand-new models. The savings can add up quickly.
What Does Refurbished Mean?
Refurbished gear refers to products that have been restored to a condition comparable to new. Buying a refurbished item isn’t the same as picking up somebody’s old, well-used device. When done properly, you should notice no real difference between new and refurbished.
Unlike used items sold “as-is” and maybe given a quick wipe-down, refurbished products are returned to factory-like condition. That process can include cleaning, swapping out worn components, reinstalling the original software and repackaging the item as if it were fresh from the factory.
When Apple lists refurbished devices, the company performs a full cleaning and inspection. Refurbished iOS devices such as iPhones receive a brand-new battery and outer shell. Apple also supplies original accessories and ships the units in new boxes.
5 Tips for Finding Trustworthy Refurbished Electronics
Not all refurbished items are handled equally; you should vet the seller before you buy.
While the original manufacturers usually have solid reputations for refurbished goods, third-party refurbishers can vary in quality and call for extra scrutiny.
Here are five pointers to help you score reliable refurbished electronics:
1. Stick with Brands and Retailers You Trust
Make sure the seller refurbishes the items themselves or contracts reputable firms to perform the work.
Look for phrases like “manufacturer refurbished.” That indicates the company that made the product managed the refurbishment, so you can expect correct parts and specifications. Apple, Dell and HP, for example, all offer their own refurbished merchandise.
Reliable retailers are also good sources. Best Buy’s Outlet section, for instance, carries quality third-party refurbished electronics.
2. Pay Attention to the Specifics
There’s no universal standard for what “refurbished” means, so it’s important to learn exactly what was done to the product.
When Apple offers refurbished devices, it inspects everything thoroughly and replaces components that don’t meet strict standards. Watch for similar descriptions when shopping — they’re a sign of well-refurbished tech.
Third-party Apple refurbisher Mac of all Trades, for example, lists its refurbishment steps clearly: visual inspection, two-stage cleaning, hardware testing and reset, followed by a final quality review.
3. Investigate the Seller and Read Reviews Across Sites
A lot of glowing reviews can be encouraging, but they can also be manufactured. Seek feedback across multiple platforms, including social media, rather than relying solely on the seller’s website.
4. Check the Return Policy
It often becomes apparent within minutes or days whether a product is defective. A seller that won’t accept returns on refurbished items is a red flag about their quality. Steer clear.
5. Make Sure There’s a Warranty — If Not, Walk Away
Don’t overlook the warranty. A properly refurbished product should include a warranty comparable to the original coverage. Aim for at least a one-year hardware warranty from the refurbisher.
Avoid sellers offering only short-term guarantees, like 90 days. If a product is truly in “like new” condition, the seller should back it with full-length coverage.
When It’s Smart to Buy Refurbished
If you’re going to use a laptop for many hours daily on professional projects, it might be worth paying more for a new model. Still, there are plenty of occasions when buying refurbished is a sensible choice.
1. You Want to Try Something New
Never used a Fitbit or RoboVac? Test one out affordably with a refurbished unit. You can always upgrade to a new model later if you decide you love it.
2. You’re Buying for Kids
What are the chances your child’s tablet gets tossed or takes an unexpected swim? Or how long until they want the newest gaming console? Considering a product’s expected lifespan may make a refurbished purchase the smarter move.
3. You Need a Backup
You adore your main laptop but need a lightweight backup for travel, or you own a primary camera but want a spare for emergencies. Keep costs down by choosing a refurbished model.
Are Refurbished Items Worth the Discount?
Yes — refurbished items are generally worth the savings. We’d shout it from the rooftops so everyone could benefit from the bargains.
For your budget, nothing beats refurbished: you often get a product that’s effectively new at a much lower price.
For instance, browsing Lenovo’s outlet finds refurbished ThinkPad X1s marked down roughly 25% ($1,016) or IdeaPad 1 models discounted about 30% ($203.69).
Alienware’s x17 R2 gaming laptop, which might normally list around $4,000, can be found “like new” (refurbished) for $2,480 — a $1,520 saving.
Where to Shop for Refurbished Items
If you’re shopping for refurbished devices, begin with the manufacturer’s website. Most makers maintain an outlet or clearance section that sells used and refurbished items.
Below is a list of online stores that feature refurbished gear and electronics from popular brands. Browse these sites to find substantial markdowns on well-known products.
| Amazon Renewed Apple Refurbished Best Buy Outlet Dell Refurbished Fujifilm Refurbished Google Refurbished | Lenovo Outlet Microsoft Refurbished Nikon Refurbished Nintendo Refurbished Samsung Re-Newed Sonos Refurbished |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The short answer is that “renewed” and “refurbished” are typically equivalent. Some manufacturers simply prefer one term over the other for products returned and restored to like-new condition.
Other labels you might see include “certified refurbished” and “pre-owned.” Ultimately, understanding the refurbishing steps matters more than the specific term used.
We believe shopping refurbished is usually the smarter financial move compared with buying new. Refurbished items can deliver near-new performance at substantially lower prices.
When possible, try to buy from reputable refurbishers, preferably the original manufacturer.
No — refurbished shouldn’t be the same as used, at least when purchased from a reputable retailer. A refurbished item is similar to a used one but has been returned to its original factory condition.
Refurbished products are typically cleaned and inspected, with any worn or faulty parts replaced. They often arrive sealed, new-in-box with original accessories and a hardware warranty.
We recommend buying refurbished iPhones directly from Apple if you want to save money. Apple’s refurbished models undergo a strict process, including replacement of the outer case and internal battery.
Apple’s refurbished phones are a great way to save while still getting a product that performs like new.
Christopher Lane is a senior writer at Savinly covering technology.
Jordan Finch is a former senior writer at Savinly.
