Buying Refurbished Tech Can Be a Bargain or a Bust. Here's What to Look For

CNET

6 days ago

Buying a new tablet and laptop for school can be expensive.
Some of the latest devices cost around $1,000, and those hefty price tags have 78% of shoppers are concerned about big-ticket purchases, according to a recent CNET survey. But there's a workaround that CNET experts stand by -- refurbished tech.
When David Carnoy, a CNET executive editor and tech expert, buys refurbished products, they're usually labeled "Like new" or "Very good."
"In some cases, you can do well with a previous generation of a premium product that's almost as good as the current model but is well discounted because it's the previous generation," Carnoy said.
Buying secondhand devices could save you a fraction of a four-figure retail price on a new device, while still having all the specifications and features you need. But it could be a waste of money if you don't know what to watch out for. Here's what CNET experts advise before you buy.
Check the laptop or tablet's battery health first
To maximize quality over time, Carnoy recommends checking the battery's condition to make sure it's like new or has recently been replaced. Matt Elliott, CNET senior editor and computer expert, agrees that this is the most important detail to look at.
"When a battery starts to go, that really begins to shorten the lifespan of the product and your return on investment," Elliott said.
Some laptops have built-in apps and software to check the battery life of a device. For example, if you're buying a MacBook, you can go to the System Settings to check the battery health. If it's "Normal," the battery should be OK. But "Replace Now" and "Replace Soon: alerts should be a cause to pause if you're buying the laptop in that condition.
If battery longevity is a top priority, start by looking at the best battery-life laptops to maximize your runtime.
Read the warranty and return policy before you buy
Most new products come with a one-year limited warranty to cover any defects or software issues. Just as if you were buying new, Carnoy recommends at least a one-year warranty for any used device you buy.
Backmarket is one of a few secondhand retailers CNET experts recommend, and it has a one-year limited warranty offered by the seller from the date of delivery. The warranty covers defects, but like most warranties, many instances aren't covered, including any accidents or manufactured parts that you change.
Elliott also recommends being aware of the return policy before buying. Backmarket's is 30 days, like most retailers.
Read more: The Best Places to Sell Your Used Electronics: 7 Trusted Marketplaces in 2025
Look out for dings and defects in the device
Some scratches or features may be worth overlooking, especially if they won't sacrifice the functionality. But Elliott recommends taking a close look at the device before buying.
"Read the product description very carefully so you understand the type of wear and tear on the product to prevent being disappointed if it arrives with a scratch, dent or another cosmetic defect," says Elliott.
Carnoy bought a refurbished iPad from Best Buy that was in "Fair" condition, but had a steep discount. It had a single scratch mark, but he was able to cover it with a case, so it was worth the cost. In other cases, you may be able to save money by getting the latest version with no dings or defects.
"For instance, Sony's current flagship headphone, the WH-1000XM6 costs $450. But Sony still sells the WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM4, which cost less and are still very good headphones," said Carnoy.
But it's always best to look closely at the device and its specifications before you buy. If you're unsatisfied, that's where the return policy can come in handy.
Don't ignore back-to-school tech deals
Retailers, including Best Buy, Apple, Lenovo and Amazon, all have deals in time for back-to-school, so don't let secondhand tech be your only money-saving strategy.
Some retailers may offer deals on new tech that may mean you'll save even more money than buying a used laptop or tablet, and some last for a while. For example, students, parents and educators can choose AirPods or an eligible accessory when buying a Mac or iPad with educational savings through Sept. 30.