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Why Refurbished Is the Smartest Way to Buy Electronics
Refurbished electronics are one of the best-kept secrets in consumer savings. A certified refurbished product has been inspected, tested, and restored to full working condition, often with a new battery and outer casing. Yet it sells for 30 to 50 percent less than new. The stigma around refurbished products is outdated, especially from major retailer programs with strong warranties.
We track refurbished pricing alongside new product pricing on PriceMirage. In many cases, a refurbished previous-generation product delivers better performance per dollar than a brand-new budget model.
Best Refurbished Programs
Amazon Renewed
Amazon Renewed products come with a 90-day guarantee and are inspected by Amazon-qualified suppliers. The selection is enormous, covering everything from iPhones and MacBooks to kitchen appliances and power tools. Prices typically run 25 to 40 percent below new. The 90-day guarantee is shorter than most competitors, but Amazon's return process makes exchanges painless.
Apple Certified Refurbished
Apple's refurbished store offers the best value in the Apple ecosystem. Every product gets a new battery, new outer shell, and a full one-year warranty identical to new products. Savings range from 15 to 25 percent. MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches are the best categories to buy refurbished from Apple. The inventory rotates frequently, so check back often.
Best Buy Open-Box
Best Buy's open-box program sells returned products at discounts of 10 to 30 percent depending on condition. Products are graded as Excellent, Satisfactory, or Fair, with pricing adjusted accordingly. Excellent condition items are functionally indistinguishable from new and offer outstanding value. You can check open-box availability for any product on the Best Buy website and filter by your local store.
Best Categories to Buy Refurbished
Phones and Tablets: These are ideal refurbished purchases. Certified refurbished iPhones and iPads with new batteries perform identically to new units. Savings of $150 to $400 are common on flagship phones.
Laptops: Refurbished laptops from Dell, Lenovo, and Apple outlet stores deliver the best computing value available. A refurbished business-class laptop often outperforms a new consumer laptop at the same price.
Headphones: Premium headphones like Sony WH-1000XM5 and AirPods Max regularly appear in refurbished programs at 25 to 35 percent off. Since headphones experience minimal wear in typical returns, refurbished units are virtually identical to new.
What to Avoid Refurbished
Products with consumable components that degrade over time are riskier as refurbished purchases. Robot vacuums with worn brushes, printers with low ink, and products with short battery lifespans are better bought new. Also be cautious with third-party refurbishers you have never heard of. Stick to manufacturer-certified or major retailer programs with clear return policies.
Finding the Best Refurbished Prices
Track both new and refurbished prices for products you want. Sometimes a new product on sale matches or beats the refurbished price, making new the better value. Other times the refurbished discount is so deep that it makes no financial sense to buy new. Checking PriceMirage before buying ensures you are comparing all available options across retailers and conditions.