Buying Guides

Refurbished vs. new: when 'used' is the smarter buy

Certified refurbished can save you 30% with almost no downside — if you know what to check.

By Ren Okafor · 2026-03-17

'Refurbished' sounds like a compromise. Done right, it's one of the best deals in tech.

The trick is the source. Manufacturer-certified refurbs are tested, warrantied and often indistinguishable from new — at a meaningful discount.

Before you buy, check

1. Who refurbished it — prefer the maker or a reputable seller.
2. The warranty — a year is great, 90 days is the floor.
3. The return window — your safety net if it disappoints.