When you need a new laptop, phone, or TV, think about buying refurbished. It used to seem risky, but now there are trusted marketplaces with certified, warrantied products that work like new, often for 30% to 70% less than retail.

The refurbished electronics market has grown into a $62 billion global industry in 2025, according to market research firm Coherent Market Insights, and it is projected to reach $122 billion by 2032. That growth reflects a fundamental shift in how consumers think about technology: not as disposable gadgets, but as durable goods worth maintaining, repairing, and reusing.

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The Case for Refurbished Electronics

The need to protect the environment is more urgent than ever. The United Nations’ Global E-waste Monitor 2024 reports that the world produced 62 million tons of electronic waste in 2024, up 82% since 2010. Only 22.3% was recycled properly. E-waste is growing five times faster than recycling systems can keep up, and by 2030, 82 million tons of electronics will need to be reused or recycled each year.

James Murdock, who started Alchemy Global Solutions, talked about the benefits of the circular economy on Earth911’s Sustainability In Your Ear podcast. His company has refurbished and resold over 12 million devices, keeping them out of landfills and giving them new life. He noted that most people keep their smartphones for about two and a half years, even though manufacturers say they can last six to eight years. This means millions of working phones are thrown away too soon.

Buying refurbished also makes financial sense. In 2024, refurbished smartphones accounted for over 25% of global secondary-market sales, as people sought options beyond expensive new models. A Deloitte survey found that 48% of buyers choose electronics based on affordability, which makes refurbished products more appealing

Any stigma around refurbished tech is fading fast, particularly among younger consumers. According to Statista Consumer Insights, 47% of Gen Z consumers prefer refurbished or secondhand tech to reduce e-waste, compared to just 18% of Baby Boomers and 25% of Gen X. Business is also choosing refurbished laptops and servers to manage costs and reduce their environmental footprint.

What Refurbished Really Means

Not all refurbished products are created equal. Here’s the terminology you need to know:

Certified Refurbished/Manufacturer Refurbished: Products restored by the original manufacturer (Apple, Samsung, Dell) or authorized partners. These devices undergo rigorous testing, use genuine parts, and typically include full warranties.

Seller Refurbished: These are restored by third-party professionals. Quality can differ, so choose sellers with good ratings, clear grading, and solid warranties.

Renewed: This usually means the product was barely used and only needed checking before resale, with little or no repair. Amazon Renewed, for example, offers iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices. 

Open-Box: These items have been opened or lightly used and usually just need a cosmetic check. They often offer the best value.

Used/Pre-Owned: Sold as-is, without major repairs or certification. The buyer takes on more risk.

Practical Tips for Buying Refurbished

Do Your Homework on the Seller

When buying refurbished, choosing the right seller matters most. Look for certified programs from manufacturers or trusted marketplaces with good customer feedback. Check ratings, read reviews about refurbished items, and find out how the product was certified.

Understand the Grading System

Most refurbished sellers use grades like Excellent, Good, and Fair, which usually describe how the device looks. All grades should work the same. An ‘Excellent’ device looks almost new, while a ‘Fair’ one may have scratches but still works just as well. Decide if you care more about looks or saving money.

Prioritize Warranty Coverage

A good warranty is essential. Apple’s certified refurbished products come with a full one-year warranty. Back Market gives at least 12 months on all items. Amazon Renewed offers a 90-day guarantee, or one year for Renewed Premium. If a seller doesn’t give at least 30 days of coverage, shop somewhere else.

Check Battery Health

For phones, laptops, and tablets, battery health is key. Good refurbishers replace batteries or make sure they hold at least 80% of their original charge. Ask about the battery before you buy, and check it as soon as you get the device.

Verify Device History for Phones

When buying a refurbished phone, make sure the IMEI number is not blacklisted. A blacklisted phone may have been reported stolen or have unpaid bills, which can block it from working on networks. Trusted sellers like Swappa check IMEI status for you. Also, check if the phone is unlocked or, if it’s locked, that it works with your carrier.

Consider Timing

The refurbished market changes with new product releases. Shortly after Apple launches a new iPhone, the previous generation models become available at lower prices as trade-ins flood the market. After the holidays, there are also more choices as returned items are resold.

Where to Shop for Refurbished Tech

Manufacturer Programs

For the highest quality assurance, buy directly from manufacturers. Apple Certified Refurbished offers devices with new batteries, full one-year warranties, and genuine parts. Samsung Certified Re-Newed provides factory-restored Galaxy devices with full inspections and warranties.

Dell Outlet and Microsoft run similar programs for their computers and devices.

Dedicated Refurbished Marketplaces

Back Market is now Europe’s top refurbished marketplace and is growing fast in North America. It connects buyers with over 1,500 trusted refurbishers, uses standard quality grades, and offers at least a 12-month warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Its user base has grown by almost 40% as more people look for affordable alternatives to new devices.

Gazelle focuses on phones and uses a detailed 30-point inspection. It has joined with Back Market, combining their strengths in refurbishment and marketplace access. Devices come with a 30-day return period and different warranty options.

Major Retailers

Amazon Renewed combines Amazon’s fast delivery with certified pre-owned products. Sellers must meet strict quality standards, like keeping an Order Defect Rate below 0.8%. Products come with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. In early 2025, Amazon Renewed reported a 25% increase in refurbished device sales compared to the previous year.

Best Buy has recycled electronics since 2007 and sells certified refurbished products in its outlet section. They offer Geek Squad support, let you inspect items in-store before buying, and have good return policies. You can find phones, laptops, TVs, and audio equipment there.

Staples has recycling and trade-in programs, plus a wide range of refurbished computers and accessories.

Peer-to-Peer Marketplaces

Swappa is a peer-to-peer marketplace where users must verify phone IMEI numbers and check for blacklist status. Payments go through PayPal for buyer protection. It’s a bit riskier than certified programs, but prices are often lower since there’s no middleman.

eBay Certified Refurbished has a wide range of products, like phones, computers, TVs, and robot vacuums, from sellers approved by manufacturers who must offer at least a two-year warranty. For non-certified listings, use filters to find trusted sellers with high ratings and look for items marked ‘refurbished’ or ‘manufacturer certified.’

Audio Equipment Specialists

For high-end audio equipment, specialty dealers provide expert advice and quality assurance. World Wide Stereo sells certified pre-owned and factory-refurbished A/V gear with manufacturer warranties. TMRAudio tests and certifies pre-owned audio with a Happiness Guarantee. SkyFi Audio focuses on vintage and high-end audio, thoroughly tested by skilled technicians.

Beyond Smartphones: What Else to Buy Refurbished

Smartphones make up 46.4% of the refurbished market, but other types of electronics can also be great deals:

Laptops: This is the fastest-growing segment, especially for schools and businesses. For the best mix of performance and value, choose models from the last two or three years.

Tablets: iPads in particular keep working well for years. A refurbished iPad Pro can cost half as much as a new one and work just as well.

TVs: Open-box and refurbished TVs from Best Buy and other stores can save you a lot of money. Since TVs usually stay in one place, small scratches or marks are less important.

Gaming Consoles: You can often find refurbished PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch consoles, usually from GameStop or directly from the manufacturers.

Audio Equipment: Speakers, receivers, and headphones can last for decades if cared for. High-end audio gear especially keeps its value and works well when refurbished.

When Electronics Become Unusable, Recycle

Not every device can be reused. When electronics are truly at the end of their life, it’s important to recycle them properly. EPEAT says that 40% of heavy metals in landfills come from electronics. For example, you can get one gram of gold from just 41 cell phones, the same as mining a ton of ore.

Earth911’s guides to recycling small electronics and computers detail how to find certified recyclers. Look for R2 or e-Stewards certifications to ensure electronics are processed responsibly. Major retailers like Best Buy and Staples accept electronics for recycling at no charge, and manufacturer programs like Dell Reconnect (through participating Goodwill locations) make proper disposal convenient.

Make Your Future Circular

Buying refurbished technology means rethinking how we view our devices. It’s a smart way to step off the constant upgrade cycle. Like the used car market, which now makes up 74% of car sales, refurbished electronics are becoming a popular choice for people who know that quality doesn’t always mean buying new.