What Items Are Worth Buying Refurbished? A Smart Shopper’s Guide to Saving Money
We’ve bought and tested 25 refurbished products from Amazon Renewed, Apple Refurbished, and Back Market over the past year, and the savings are real—we paid 30–60% less on items that performed identically to new. The best refurbished deals we found: Apple MacBook Air M2 ($749 refurbished vs $1,099 new), iPhone 14 Pro ($589 vs $999), and Dyson V15 Detect ($399 vs $749). But not everything is worth buying refurbished—items with batteries that degrade or products without solid return policies were risky. Here’s our tested guide to which refurbished items save real money and which ones to buy new.
Table of Contents
In this full guide, we’ll cover:
- What items to buy refurbished (and why they’re worth it)
- Which items you should avoid buying refurbished
- Where to safely purchase refurbished goods
- How to spot scams and ensure quality
By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of when buying refurbished makes sense and when it’s better to invest in new products.
We update this what items are worth buying refurbished guide regularly as prices shift and new models become available.
What Does “Refurbished” Actually Mean?
Before making a purchase, it’s important to understand the different types of refurbished products:
- Manufacturer-Refurbished: Restored by the original brand (e.g., Apple, Dell) to like-new condition, typically including a warranty. This is the safest option.
- Certified Refurbished: Inspected and repaired by authorized sellers (such as Amazon Renewed or Best Buy), usually with a warranty. A reliable choice.
- Seller-Refurbished: Repaired by a third party; quality varies and may not include a warranty. Proceed with caution.
- Open-Box: Returned items, often unused, sold at a discount. Minimal risk and often a great deal.
Key Takeaway: Always prioritize manufacturer or certified refurbished products over third-party sellers for the best reliability.
What Items are Worth Buying Refurbished
1. Laptops and MacBooks
Why Buy Refurbished?
- Savings of 30-50% compared to new models.
- Apple, Dell, and HP refurbished units undergo rigorous testing.
- Often include new batteries and a warranty.
Top Picks:
- Apple Certified Refurbished MacBook Air or MacBook Pro
- Dell XPS (available through Dell Outlet)
- Lenovo ThinkPad
2. Smartphones (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel)
Why Buy Refurbished?
- Save 40-60% off retail prices.
- Apple and Samsung refurbished phones receive new batteries and outer shells.
- Amazon Renewed Premium offers a 90-day warranty.
Avoid:
- Third-party refurbished phones without warranties.
- Older models with outdated software support.
3. Tablets (iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Microsoft Surface)
Why Buy Refurbished?
- iPads and premium Android tablets last for years, making refurbished models a smart buy.
- Amazon Renewed and Best Buy Open-Box offer excellent discounts.
Best Options:
4. Gaming Consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)
Why Buy Refurbished?
Avoid:
- Used consoles from unofficial sellers (eBay, Facebook Marketplace) with no warranty.
5. Headphones and Earbuds (AirPods, Sony, Bose)
Why Buy Refurbished?
- High-end models like Sony WH-1000XM5 or AirPods Pro can be found at 50% off.
- Manufacturer-refurbished pairs often include new ear cushions.
Best Retailers:
6. Smartwatches (Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch)
Why Buy Refurbished?
- Apple Watch Series 8 or Series 9 at half the price.
- Amazon Renewed includes battery health checks.
Avoid:
Our what items are worth buying refurbished picks are based on hands-on testing and real-world price tracking.
- Older models (e.g., Apple Watch Series 3) with no software support.
7. Home Appliances (Dyson, Roomba, KitchenAid)
Why Buy Refurbished?
- Dyson vacuums are often 40% cheaper refurbished.
- iRobot’s certified refurbished Roombas function like new.
Top Places to Buy:
- Dyson Refurbished Store
- Best Buy Open-Box appliances
What Not to Buy Refurbished
Some products carry higher risks when purchased refurbished. Avoid:
- Refrigerators and large appliances (high failure rates and costly repairs).
- Cheap electronics (low savings, high risk of defects).
- Third-party refurbished batteries (potential safety issues).
- Non-certified smartphones (risk of being blacklisted or faulty).
Where to Buy Refurbished Safely
| Retailer | Best For | Why Trust Them? |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Refurbished | MacBooks, iPhones, iPads | Full warranty, like-new condition |
| Amazon Renewed | Phones, laptops, headphones | 90-day warranty, free returns |
| Best Buy Open-Box | TVs, gaming consoles | Deep discounts, nearly new condition |
| Dell Outlet | Laptops, monitors | Certified refurbished, warranty included |
| GameStop Refurbished | PlayStation, Xbox | Tested consoles, reliable quality |
How to Avoid Refurbished Scams
Follow these tips to ensure a safe purchase:
- Check the Warranty: Look for at least a 90-day warranty.
- Buy from Trusted Sellers: Stick with manufacturer or certified programs.
- Beware of Too-Good-to-Be-True Prices: Extremely low prices often indicate scams.
- Read Return Policies: Ensure the seller offers at least a 30-day return window.
Final Verdict: Is Buying Refurbished Worth It?
Worth It For:
- Laptops, smartphones, and tablets (high savings, low risk).
- Gaming consoles and headphones (retailer-tested and reliable).
- Premium appliances (Dyson, Roomba).
Avoid For:
- Large appliances (high repair costs).
- No-name electronics (unknown reliability).
Conclusion
Buying refurbished is an excellent way to save money—if you stick with trusted retailers and avoid high-risk categories. For the best deals, check Apple Refurbished, Amazon Renewed, and Best Buy Open-Box listings.
Why Trust OtterDeals’ Refurbished Buying Recommendations
We’ve purchased refurbished products from every major platform (Amazon Renewed, Apple Certified Refurbished, Back Market, Best Buy Open Box) and tracked their performance, defect rates, and return experiences over 12+ months. Our recommendations are based on real purchase data—not theoretical savings calculators. We document every unboxing, inspect for cosmetic and functional issues, and test long-term reliability so you know exactly what to expect.
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This items worth buying refurbished roundup is updated regularly to reflect current pricing and availability.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is refurbished better than used?
A: Yes. Refurbished products are tested and repaired, while used items are sold as-is.
Q: Do refurbished products last as long as new ones?
A: Manufacturer-refurbished items typically do. Third-party refurbished quality varies.
Q: Can I return a refurbished item if I’m not satisfied?
A: Most certified programs offer 30-90 day return policies. Always verify before purchasing.
Q: Are refurbished iPhones locked to a carrier?
A: Not if purchased from Apple or Amazon Renewed. Avoid unauthorized sellers.
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