Why Buy Used Electronics in 2026?
The used electronics market has never been better. With rapid upgrade cycles, many devices enter the secondhand market with years of useful life remaining. A 2-year-old flagship phone or laptop often performs nearly identically to current models for everyday use.
Recommended Products
Based on our testing, here are some top picks:
LG Gaming Monitor -
Razer Keyboard -
$249.99
Logitech Mouse -
$158.39
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Environmental impact matters too. Electronics manufacturing has a massive carbon footprint. Buying used extends the life of existing devices and reduces e-waste. It's a win for your wallet and the planet.
Related Guide: Used vs. Refurbished vs. New: Complete Comparison →
Real Savings Breakdown by Category
Here's what you can realistically save buying used instead of new in 2026:
| Category | New Price | Used Price | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 Pro | $999 | $650-750 | $250-350 |
| MacBook Pro M3 | $1,999 | $1,300-1,500 | $500-700 |
| PlayStation 5 | $499 | $350-400 | $100-150 |
| LG C3 65" OLED TV | $1,800 | $1,000-1,200 | $600-800 |
| DJI Mavic 3 | $2,049 | $1,400-1,700 | $350-650 |
| Rad Power E-Bike | $1,499 | $800-1,100 | $400-700 |
Best Places to Buy Used Electronics
🏆 Best Overall: Facebook Marketplace
Local pickup means you can test before buying. No shipping fees. Negotiate in person.
- Pros: Free to list, local transactions, can test items
- Cons: No buyer protection, must vet sellers carefully
- Best for: Large items, local deals, anything you want to test first
🛡️ Best Buyer Protection: eBay
Strong buyer protection, huge selection, seller ratings help identify trustworthy sellers.
- Pros: Money-back guarantee, seller ratings, massive selection
- Cons: Fees increase prices, can't test before buying
- Best for: Phones, laptops, cameras, electronics with clear condition grades
✅ Best for Refurbished: Amazon Renewed
Professionally refurbished with warranty. Easy returns through Amazon.
- Pros: 90-day warranty, Amazon return policy, tested devices
- Cons: Higher prices than private sellers, variable quality
- Best for: iPhones, MacBooks, headphones, tablets
💰 Best Deals: Craigslist & OfferUp
Often the lowest prices, but requires more caution.
- Pros: Lowest prices, negotiable, local pickup
- Cons: Higher scam risk, no protection
- Best for: Experienced buyers willing to inspect thoroughly
Essential Testing Tips for Any Electronics
These universal principles apply to almost every used electronics purchase:
🔋 Always Test Battery Health
Batteries degrade over time. Check battery health percentage on phones/laptops. For other devices, test runtime against manufacturer specs.
🔍 Physical Inspection First
Check for cracks, dents, water damage indicators, and signs of repairs. Cosmetic damage often indicates drops or misuse.
⚡ Test All Functions
Don't skip any features. Test every port, button, speaker, camera, and wireless function. Issues often hide in rarely-used features.
🔓 Verify Account Status
Ensure devices aren't locked to previous accounts (iCloud, Google, Samsung). Ask for factory reset before purchase.
📋 Get Proof of Purchase
Original receipt proves legitimate ownership and may be needed for warranty service. Ask for it whenever possible.
💡 Meet in Safe Locations
Police stations often have safe exchange zones. Test electronics where you can plug them in and verify function.
Complete Testing Guides by Category
Click any guide below for detailed testing checklists, pricing guides, and expert tips:
📱 Phones & Tablets
💻 Computers
🎮 Gaming
📺 Home Entertainment
Smart TV Guide
OLED burn-in, panel uniformity, smart features, and HDR testing.
Projector Guide
Lamp hours, brightness, focus, and color accuracy testing.
Bluetooth Speaker Guide
Battery life, sound quality, water resistance verification.
Turntable Guide
Motor, tonearm, cartridge, and speed accuracy testing for vinyl lovers.
🏠 Smart Home
Smart Thermostat Guide
Nest, Ecobee testing. WiFi, sensors, and compatibility checks.
Smart Doorbell Guide
Ring, Nest doorbell testing. Video quality, motion detection, battery.
Security Camera Guide
Indoor/outdoor cameras. Night vision, cloud storage, and app setup.
Robot Vacuum Guide
Roomba, Roborock navigation, suction, battery, and mapping tests.
🍳 Kitchen
🚴 Mobility & Outdoors
Electric Bike Guide
Battery health, motor, brakes, and drivetrain testing for e-bikes.
Electric Scooter Guide
Segway, Apollo, and more. Battery, brakes, and folding mechanism.
Drone Guide
DJI, Autel drone testing. Motors, gimbal, battery, and GPS.
Pressure Washer Guide
Electric and gas pressure washers. Pump, hose, and pressure testing.
🔧 Tools & Hobby
Power Tools Guide
DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita. Batteries, motors, and safety testing.
DSLR/Mirrorless Camera Guide
Shutter count, sensor dust, autofocus, and lens testing.
Treadmill Guide
Motor, belt, incline, and console testing for home gym equipment.
Rowing Machine Guide
Concept2 and more. Resistance, monitor, and frame inspection.
Universal Pre-Purchase Checklist
Use this checklist for ANY used electronics purchase:
Ready to Save Big on Electronics?
Use our testing guides to confidently buy used and save 40-60% on quality tech.