The question "should I buy used, refurbished, or new?" has no universal answer. The right choice depends on the product category, your budget, risk tolerance, and how long you plan to keep the device. This comprehensive guide breaks down every factor to help you make the smartest purchasing decision in 2026.
Recommended Products
Based on our testing, here are some top picks:
LG Gaming Monitor -
Razer Keyboard -
$249.99
Logitech Mouse -
$158.39
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Key Insight for 2026
The refurbished market has matured significantly. Certified refurbished products from Apple, Amazon, and major manufacturers now offer near-new quality with substantial savings. However, the used market remains the best value for products where cosmetic condition doesn't affect functionality.
Understanding Your Options
Before diving into recommendations, let's clearly define what each category means and what you're actually getting.
Used Electronics
Previously owned items sold as-is by individuals or resellers. No professional restoration, no warranty unless seller-provided. Condition varies wildly from "like new" to "heavily worn."
- + Lowest prices (50-70% off retail)
- + Negotiation possible
- + Can find rare/discontinued items
- - No warranty typically
- - Requires thorough testing
- - Higher risk of hidden issues
Refurbished Electronics
Previously owned or returned items that have been inspected, repaired if necessary, and restored to working condition by professionals. Usually includes a warranty.
- + Professionally inspected and tested
- + Warranty included (90 days to 1 year)
- + Defects repaired before sale
- + Moderate savings (30-50%)
- - More expensive than used
- - Quality varies by seller
New Electronics
Brand new, factory-sealed products with full manufacturer warranty. Never used or opened (except for display units, which should be disclosed).
- + Full manufacturer warranty
- + Latest models and features
- + No previous use or wear
- + Return policies typically generous
- - Highest price
- - Rapid depreciation
Used Electronics: Maximum Savings
Used electronics offer the deepest discounts but require the most buyer diligence. Here's when used makes sense and when to avoid it.
Best Products to Buy Used
Excellent Used Buys
- • Monitors - Easy to test, durable
- • Desktop PCs - Upgradeable, repairable
- • Game Consoles - Built to last
- • Turntables - Vintage often better
- • Camera Lenses - Holds value well
- • Power Tools - Built rugged
Risky Used Buys
- • Phones - Battery degradation
- • Laptops - Hard to assess battery
- • Earbuds - Hygiene concerns
- • VR Headsets - Hygiene + lens wear
- • E-Bikes - Battery is 40% of value
- • Printers - Dried ink, worn heads
Used Buying Checklist
- 1 Request detailed photos - All sides, ports, screen on
- 2 Ask about history - Why selling? How long owned? Any repairs?
- 3 Test in person when possible - Use our testing guides
- 4 Check serial numbers - Verify not stolen or blacklisted
- 5 Use protected payment - PayPal Goods & Services, platform protection
Refurbished Electronics: The Sweet Spot
Refurbished products have become the smart buyer's secret in 2026. You get professional quality assurance with meaningful savings, especially from manufacturer programs.
Understanding Refurbished Grades
| Grade | Condition | Typical Discount | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade A / Like New | No visible wear, functions perfectly | 15-25% off | Gifts, premium users |
| Grade B / Good | Minor scratches, fully functional | 25-40% off | Personal use, best value |
| Grade C / Fair | Visible wear, works correctly | 40-55% off | Budget buyers, kids |
Best Refurbished Sources (2026)
Manufacturer Certified Programs
Apple Certified Refurbished, Samsung Certified Re-Newed, Dell Outlet - Best warranties, highest quality
Amazon Renewed
Wide selection, 90-day guarantee, easy returns - Great for most products
Back Market
Phones and tablets specialty, competitive pricing, strong buyer protection
Best Buy Outlet
Open-box and refurbished, in-store pickup, Geek Squad warranty available
Pro Tip: Apple Certified Refurbished
Apple's refurbished products are essentially new devices at 15% off. They get new batteries, outer shells, and full 1-year warranty. The only difference is the plain white box. This is arguably the best value in refurbished electronics.
When Buying New Makes Sense
Despite the savings available on used and refurbished, sometimes new is the right choice. Here's when paying full price delivers the best value.
Buy New When:
- ✓ Cutting-edge features matter - Latest processor, newest camera tech
- ✓ Long software support needed - Phones, tablets, smart devices
- ✓ It's a gift - Unboxing experience matters
- ✓ Hygiene products - Earbuds, razors, oral care
- ✓ Business/professional use - Tax deductions, reliability crucial
- ✓ Significant new technology - Generational leaps worth it
Don't Pay New Prices For:
- ✗ Last-gen flagships - Get refurbished instead
- ✗ Accessories - Cables, cases, stands
- ✗ Monitors - Technology matures slowly
- ✗ Game consoles mid-cycle - No new features coming
- ✗ Office equipment - Printers, scanners, etc.
- ✗ Children's devices - They'll break it anyway
Recommendations by Product Category
Here's our specific guidance for each major electronics category, based on depreciation curves, failure rates, and real-world testing.
Smartphones
Refurbished RecommendedBattery degradation makes used phones risky. Certified refurbished phones typically include new batteries and warranties. Buy 1-2 generations back for best value.
Testing Guide: Complete Phone Testing Guide
Laptops
Refurbished RecommendedBusiness-class refurbished laptops (ThinkPads, Latitudes) offer incredible value. Consumer laptops wear faster. Check battery cycle count before buying used.
Testing Guide: Complete Laptop Testing Guide
Monitors
Used OKMonitors are excellent used buys. Test for dead pixels and backlight bleed. Panel technology hasn't changed dramatically - even 5-year-old monitors perform well.
Testing Guide: Complete Monitor Testing Guide
TVs
DependsOLED TVs risk burn-in from previous owner. LED/LCD TVs are safer used. Refurbished from manufacturer is ideal for OLED. Transport is the biggest risk.
Testing Guide: Complete TV Testing Guide
Game Consoles
Used OKConsoles are built durable for years of use. Test disc drive, controllers, and check for bans. Used is fine, especially for last-gen consoles.
Testing Guide: Complete Console Testing Guide
Headphones
Refurbished RecommendedOver-ear headphones are fine used with new ear pads. Earbuds and in-ears should be refurbished or new for hygiene. Battery life is key concern for wireless.
Testing Guide: Complete Headphones Testing Guide
Cameras
Used OKCamera bodies are fine used - check shutter count. Lenses are excellent used purchases and hold value well. Buy from camera-specific marketplaces for best results.
Testing Guide: Complete Camera Testing Guide
Warranty Comparison
| Source | Typical Warranty | Return Period | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| New (Retail) | 1-2 years | 14-30 days | Excellent |
| Apple Certified Refurb | 1 year | 14 days | Excellent |
| Amazon Renewed | 90 days | 30 days | Good |
| Back Market | 1 year | 30 days | Good |
| eBay (Top Seller) | 30-90 days | 30 days | Variable |
| Private Sale (Craigslist) | None | None | Unknown |
Calculating True Value
The sticker price doesn't tell the whole story. Here's how to calculate the true cost of ownership for each option.
Value Formula
- Risk Premium: Add 10-20% for used (potential repairs), 5% for refurbished, 0% for new
- Remaining Useful Life: What percentage of the product's lifespan remains?
Example: iPhone Purchase Decision
| Factor | New iPhone 16 | Refurb iPhone 15 | Used iPhone 14 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | $999 | $699 | $450 |
| Risk Premium | $0 | $35 | $90 |
| Expected Useful Life | 5 years | 4 years | 2-3 years |
| Cost Per Year | $200/yr | $183/yr | $180-216/yr |
In this example, refurbished offers the most predictable value, while used has more variance.
Risk Assessment Guide
High Risk Used Purchases
These categories have significant hidden issues that are hard to detect:
- • Water-damaged phones - Corrosion shows up weeks later
- • Laptop batteries - Degradation isn't visible
- • OLED TVs - Burn-in may not show on all colors
- • E-bike batteries - Capacity loss is expensive
- • Projector bulbs - Expensive to replace
Medium Risk
Testable issues, but requires knowledge:
- • Mechanical keyboards - Test every key
- • Cameras - Check shutter count, sensor dust
- • Tablets - Screen delamination, battery
- • Smart watches - Battery and screen condition
Low Risk Used Purchases
Issues are visible and products are durable:
- • Monitors - Dead pixels visible immediately
- • Desktops - Parts replaceable, testable
- • Game consoles - Built durable, easy to test
- • Speakers - Sound issues obvious
- • Camera lenses - Fungus/scratches visible
- • Turntables - Mechanical, repairable
Best Places to Buy Each Type
Best for Used
- Facebook Marketplace - Local pickup, see before buy
- eBay - Buyer protection, wide selection
- Swappa - Phones/tablets specialty
- r/hardwareswap - PC components
- MPB - Camera gear
Best for Refurbished
- Apple Certified - Apple products
- Amazon Renewed - Everything else
- Back Market - Phones, tablets
- Dell Outlet - Business laptops
- Manufacturer stores - Brand-specific
Best for New
- Amazon - Price matching, returns
- Best Buy - Price match, pickup
- B&H Photo - No tax (many states)
- Costco - Extended warranty free
- Micro Center - In-store deals
The Final Verdict
Our 2026 Recommendations
Choose Used If:
- • Maximum savings priority
- • You can test in person
- • Product is low-risk category
- • You're tech-savvy
- • Buying monitors, desktops, consoles
Choose Refurbished If:
- • Best value + peace of mind
- • Warranty matters to you
- • Buying phones, laptops, tablets
- • You want "like new" quality
- • Shopping online only
BEST FOR MOST PEOPLE
Choose New If:
- • Latest features required
- • It's a gift
- • Hygiene products
- • Business write-off
- • Long software support needed