You can save money and help save the planet by buying used or refurbished electronics instead of new devices. Since most of the environmental impact of devices comes from the manufacturing phase, buying second-hand gear can reduce your carbon footprint. Do it right, and buying refurbished can feel much like buying new. This guide delves into what you need to know about refurbished terminology, offers tips on what to look for to snag yourself the best deals, and lists some of the best places to buy refurbished gadgets and used electronics.

You may also be interested in How to Buy Ethical and Eco-Friendly Electronics, The Best Used Tech to Buy and Sell, What to Think About Before Buying a Used Smartphone, and How to Responsibly Dispose of Your Electronics.

What Does Refurbished Mean?

There is no legal definition of refurbished. Some sellers preferred used, pre-loved, second-hand, reconditioned, and the list continues. Refurbishment implies that the seller has tested the device, maybe repaired and cleaned it, but the only way to be sure is to read the fine print and make sure you understand what the seller means by whatever term it is using.

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.

Tips for Buying Refurbished

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.

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 like this:

• 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? (Chargers, cables, manuals, 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 window for a return?

If you’re uncertain about anything, it’s worth asking before you buy to avoid disappointment.

Photograph: Simon Hill

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 chargeback protection and avoid going through a third-party payment service. Some banks and credit card companies are better than others, so it’s worth researching the protections they offer and their reputation.

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.

Best Places to Buy Refurbished Electronics

Photograph: Simon Hill

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 only offers up to 15 percent off, while Dell offers up to 50 percent off.

Photograph: Simon Hill

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: