Updated March 2026: I've added some tips for buying, new links to refurbished sellers, and advice on what to do after you buy.
There is no legal definition of refurbished. Some sellers prefer used, pre-loved, secondhand, reconditioned—the list continues. Refurbishment implies that the seller has tested the device and may have repaired and cleaned it, but the only way to be sure is to read the fine print and understand what the seller means by whatever term is used.
If you’re lucky, you may get an open-box device, which a buyer has opened but never actually used. Sellers are not legally allowed to resell returned devices as new, and it’s common for all returns to end up sold in 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.
I'll recommend a few 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 you buy.
While buying older electronics is often a great way to save money, there are a few things to keep in mind. It may make more sense to buy a discounted flagship phone from a couple of years ago than a brand-new budget phone, for example, but there are also some potential cons. Always consider software updates and ask:
How many more years of software updates will the product receive?
How long will it continue to get security updates?
What version of the software does it come with?
How easy is it to update the software?
Aside from working out what the seller means by refurbished, you should read the listing for any potential purchase very carefully and try to answer questions such as these:
Has it been tested, and does everything work?
Does it have a new battery or a guarantee about battery health? (This is crucial for old phones and laptops.)
Has it been wiped if a previous user set it up?
Is there any cosmetic damage like scratches or cracks? (Look for a transparent grading system.)
What is included? (Does it come with chargers, cables, manuals, and original packaging?)
Is there any warranty offered? (The longer the better.)
If there is a problem, how do returns work? Do you have to pay, and what is the return window?
If you’re uncertain about anything, it’s worth asking before you buy to avoid disappointment.
There are protections for purchases, such as Section 170 of the Fair Credit Billing Act in the US or Section 75 in the UK. But you should use a credit card for purchases to get the best charge-back protection and avoid going through a third-party payment service, such as PayPal. Some banks and credit card companies are better than others, so it's worth researching their reputations and the protections they offer.
If you can inspect and test devices before you buy, do it. Otherwise, you should closely examine and thoroughly test any device you buy immediately when you receive it. Remember that there is a limited window to report any faults or issues with the condition and return an item. Always keep the box and packaging it arrived in at least until you are satisfied that you won’t need to return it.
You’ve done your initial tests and decided that you are keeping the refurbished device you bought, but there are still a couple of things you might consider doing before you start using it.
Clean it: While it may look clean, I’d give it a quick once-over anyway. We have guides on how to clean a TV screen or monitor, how to clean AirPods and earbuds, how to clean your keyboard, how to clean your smartphone, and how to clean your computer.
Wipe it: This is unlikely if you buy refurbished, but when buying used, you may find that the previous owner failed to wipe the device properly, so you’ll want to do so before you start using it. We have guides on how to factory reset a smartphone and how to factory reset a laptop.
You have an enormous choice when buying refurbished electronics, so let’s break down your options.
We have had some good experiences buying refurbished devices from their original manufacturers, which makes sense since 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 the savings vary; for example, Apple offers up to 15 percent off, while Dell offers up to 50 percent off.
Some brands have outlets for refurbished gear on eBay, so it’s worth searching if you have a specific brand in mind. For example, Bose, Panasonic, Dyson, and KitchenAid all have official eBay stores that sell refurbished products.
Many big retailers and carriers offer refurbished electronics, usually as a separate store, and there are bargains to be had. Here are a few of your top options:
Amazon Renewed or Amazon Resale (previously Warehouse)
Several specialists refurbish electronics to a high standard and sell them with return policies and warranties.
Back Market: You can find all sorts of electronics at Back Market, including smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, game consoles, headphones, speakers, and even appliances. Devices are professionally refurbished, and you can find a detailed explanation of what that means. Everything comes with a 30-day return policy (no cost to you) and a 1-year warranty.
KEH: This camera specialist offers a wide range of refurbished cameras and accessories that have been inspected, renewed, and graded. It also offers repair services and expert advice. Everything comes with a 21-day return policy (with a $25 processing fee) and a 180-day warranty.
Retrospekt: Specializing in Polaroid cameras, Retrospekt refurbishes original cameras and combines refurbished internals with new exteriors. It also sells old game consoles, VCRs, and typewriters, as well as vinyl, cassettes, VHS tapes, camera film, and more. Devices come with a 30-day return policy (with return shipping costs and a 10-percent restocking fee) and a 90-day warranty.
There are many other options for refurbished tech, including Gazelle and Reebelo. Folks in the UK should try CeX.
You can find used electronics, sometimes for great prices, at charity stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army, but many charities now sell the best electronics donations they receive through websites like eBay or pass them through third-party services that refurbish devices for them. If you’re rummaging through a store, make sure you ask whether devices have been tested and see if you can try them before you buy, or at least return them for a refund if you take them home and find out they don’t work.
You'll get the best prices when you buy directly from other people, but those potential savings have to be balanced against the risks of getting a faulty device or being scammed. Marketplace websites that act as intermediaries for private sales offer some protection for buyers but also skim a fee from each sale, which can inflate prices slightly. While you can find bargains and reputable sellers, there is some risk, and support can prove disappointing and take a long time if you ever have to dispute something.
eBay: You can find everything on eBay, sellers have ratings, and there is some protection against scams. We have a detailed guide on how to buy used gear on eBay.
Swappa: Another marketplace that connects buyers and sellers for a small cut, Swappa focuses on electronics. It doesn’t allow broken gear, does some basic checks on some devices, and has people to review and approve listings.
Vinted: Originally for clothes, Vinted has expanded into electronics and connects buyers and sellers for a fee. It recently launched an Electronics Verification service so sellers can send devices in for testing before they go to buyers. Sadly, it’s available only in the UK, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland, and Lithuania.
MPB: This company has specialists who vet the quality of used camera gear. Buyers get a six-month warranty.
To get the lowest possible prices, you could cut out the middleman altogether and agree on a direct sale with a buyer, but this can be very risky, especially for electronics.
