Nobody likes feeling dismissed, scoffed at, or used — unless you’re a Dell laptop, perhaps, in which case, we’ve got you covered.  Used electronics may carry connotations of busted, beat-up scrap metal, worthless in the extreme, but nothing could be further from the truth.

And here’s why: buying used electronics offers a smart and sustainable alternative to buying new.  Times are tough; money’s short; shopping wisely is a must.

So if you’re looking to save money (cha-ching), help the environment (yup, yup), support a circular economy (no doubt), or just want to get more value for your almighty dollar (hell to the yeah), then our Best 7 Used Electronics list will help you get started.  Let’s take a look!

 

1. Laptops

Used laptops come in at number one for a reason.  Apart from their ubiquity, a reliable laptop is a lifeline to your digital life.  Whether you’re a student hitting the books, a career professional working remotely, or a parent of three looking for cost-effective recipes, a laptop is an essential tool.  And the advantage of buying used?  Well, for starters, you can save a considerable amount of money while still getting a high-quality laptop that still offers top-notch performance, plenty of storage, and a solid battery life.  Trusted brands like Dell, HP, and Lenovo are known for their durability, can be found online, and delivered right to your door.

What’s more, opting for a used laptop supports sustainability by keeping electronics out of landfills and reducing the demand for new production, which eats away at valuable resources.  Many used laptops also allow for easy upgrades — whether it’s more RAM or a larger hard drive — giving you flexibility to improve performance over time at a lower cost than buying new.

 

2. Desktop PCs 

At number two are desktop PCs — a fantastic investment when shopping for used electronics.  You don’t have to be a diehard gamer to go the DIY route.  Simply equipping your home office or looking for a reliable computer is reason enough to browse the market for used desktops.  Like laptops, a used desktop PC offers the same capabilities as new models at a significantly lower price.

Better yet, because tech enthusiasts frequently upgrade their systems, you can often find used desktops that are only a few years old but still have modern processors, abundant storage, and ample RAM.  Plus, when you buy used, you have the freedom to upgrade individual components as needed, making it easy to improve performance or add new features down the road.

 

3. Printers

It’s no secret that printers get zero love: they’re temperamental, awkward, bulky, and throw tantrums when you need them most.  But they’re inescapable.  Despite the shift toward digital platforms, printers remain a staple in many homes and offices.  The great news is that buying a used printer can offer the same performance as a new one, especially if you’ve done your research.  Many used printers come from businesses that regularly update their technology, leaving behind reliable, high-performance models looking for a new home.

As in laser printers, for example.  Apart from sounding cool, they tend to outlast inkjets and their cartridges are more efficient, making them cost-effective in the long run.  A used printer can save you a decent chunk of change while still handling everything from school projects to professional documents.  Moreover, buying a used printer supports a circular economy (in fact, every device on our list does), reducing the demand for new manufacturing.

 

4. Power Adapters

Now before you make a face, hear us out.  Power adapters are like foundational stones for a new building that you never notice until one day they’re missing and the whole structure comes down.  Okay, that’s extreme.  Nevertheless, even power adapters are part of the equation when it comes to buying used electronics.  Often overlooked, these accessories can be surprisingly pricey when purchased brand new, particularly for specialized devices like laptops or gaming consoles.  But it really shouldn’t be.  Power adapters are super durable, and many used models still work flawlessly even after years of service.

Buying a used or refurbished power adapter cuts down on costs but also helps to minimize e-waste.  Like everything on our list, manufacturing new adapters when there are plenty of functional ones already available contributes to unnecessary waste.  Just be sure the adapter matches your device’s specifications and is tested to guarantee it’s in good working condition, and you’re good to go.

 

5. Audio Equipment

Coming in at numero cinco is used audio equipment.  If you’re looking for quality audio gear without breaking the bank, the used market is a fantastic place to start.  Not only is there a wide selection of great vintage audio equipment for audiophiles, but musicians in need of gear and anyone looking to upgrade their entertainment setup can also benefit.  Used speakers, amplifiers, and headphones are just a few of the great options available.  Take your time in researching prices, and you’re guaranteed to turn up something at a competitive price.

In addition to the savings, buying used audio equipment gives you access to premium models that may have been too expensive when new.  Many of these items are durable enough to function like new for years, making them a smart investment for anyone setting up a studio or upgrading their audio experience.

 

6. Smartphones/Tablets

Now, because this isn’t a ‘best of 8’ list, we’ve had to combine used smartphones and tablets into one.  Nevertheless, smartphones and tablets definitely deserve a spot on our list for their sheer ubiquity and versatility.  And since many users frequently, even obsessively, upgrade their devices, the used market for these bad boys is full of high-quality options at a fraction of the price.

Whether you’re team iPhone or Android, used smartphones offer strong battery performance, powerful processors, excellent cameras, and software support for years to come.  Likewise, tablets like the iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab provide the perfect balance of portability and functionality for work or entertainment.  Designed to last, these used electronics not only save you money but also — you guessed it — reduce environmental impact and help support a circular economy.

 

7. Video Cards (GPUs)

And last but not least, we come to the video card.  Gamers, designers, and video editors all know one thing: a powerful video card is non-negotiable.  But even these little guys, no bigger than a stapler, can seriously hurt your wallet.  But, as with everything else on our list, buying used video cards is the budget-friendly way to max out your laptop or desktop without maxing out your credit card.

Thanks to tech enthusiasts who are always chasing the latest and greatest, used video cards often hit the used market at an appreciable discount.  And as long as the card hasn’t been fried by overclocking you’re good to go.  As with all things, make sure the video cards you’re in the market for meet your specific needs and have been tested.  And with all the cash you save, you can trick out the rest of your system, making this a great choice without breaking the bank.

 

Final Thoughts

Of course, our list barely scratches the surface.  Monitors, keyboards, routers, switches — if you can name it, you can probably find it used.  The beauty of buying used electronics is that almost any device you need is out there for a fraction of the cost, and often with no compromise on performance.  Whether it’s for a gaming setup, a home office, or something in between, the market for used electronics provides countless ways to save money while helping reduce e-waste.

But more importantly, remember: buying used doesn’t just save you money, it also promotes sustainability by preventing perfectly good tech from ending up in landfills, and landing a home on your desk.  And that goes a long way.