Yes, a refurbished laptop is cheaper than a new model, but the price depends on the specifications, the brand, and the condition of the device.
Today, laptops can take a big bite out of your budget. It’s no surprise that more and more people are looking for affordable alternatives, such as refurbished or second-hand laptops.
It really depends on how you define “cheap.” If you’re thinking of a device that costs a hundred euros but comes with no warranty or decent performance, refurbished might not be for you. But if “cheap” means getting more laptop for less money, then a refurbished model is definitely a smart choice. Refurbished laptops are usually significantly more affordable than new ones and combine a lower price with high quality.
A refurbished laptop is cheaper than new, but not dirt cheap
Refurbished laptops can be up to 70% cheaper than new models. However, that doesn’t mean they’re always dirt cheap. The price of a refurbished device still depends on three key factors: the condition of the laptop, the technical specifications, and the brand.
This means that a powerful laptop with a fast processor, lots of RAM, and a large SSD – especially if it’s in excellent visual condition – will still come at a certain price. But that price is much lower than what you’d pay for the same device brand-new. That’s what makes refurbished so interesting: you get more performance for less money.
Even if the exterior shows minor signs of use, a refurbished laptop still performs like new. How visible these signs are depends on the grading used by the refurbisher.
At Back in Use, we deliberately choose laptops in ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ condition. This ensures that the device still looks professional and lasts for years. Some refurbishers offer laptops with more visible signs of use at lower prices. That can be a good choice for some people – as long as you know what to expect.
Still, people often ask: why not just buy a second-hand laptop? Isn’t that even cheaper?
Is a refurbished laptop better than a second-hand one?
A refurbished laptop is technically second-hand, but with one major difference: it’s been professionally checked, repaired where needed, and resold with a warranty. So you know exactly what you’re buying.
Everything is transparent – from the technical specs to the visual condition and the device’s origin. This means a refurbished laptop usually matches your expectations much better than a typical second-hand purchase.
With a regular second-hand laptop, that clarity is often missing. You rarely know what the device has been through or whether parts may be worn out. And you usually don’t get any warranty. If something goes wrong after a few weeks or months, you might end up losing your money on a non-functioning device.
Refurbished gives you the peace of mind that second-hand often doesn’t. Think professional maintenance, cleaning, part replacements, and a standard warranty. At Back in Use, for example, you always get a two-year warranty – just like with a new device. That means worry-free shopping with no surprises later on.
How do you know if a refurbished laptop is reliable?
The reliability of a refurbished laptop depends heavily on where you buy it. “Refurbished” isn’t a protected term, so every seller uses it differently.
Some online platforms offer devices from different refurbishers. These platforms resell the products, but they don’t refurbish the laptops themselves. The refurbishing is done by external partners, which can make it less clear who’s responsible when something goes wrong.
This doesn’t have to be an issue, as long as the refurbisher is transparent and offers good service. But in practice, we often see responsibility being passed around when technical problems arise. Suddenly, you’re stuck in a grey area where no one takes ownership.
That’s why it’s so important to check who’s actually behind the product. Has the laptop really been professionally checked? Does it come with a warranty? Are the specs accurate? And is customer service easy to reach?
Some refurbishers – such as Back in Use – take full control of the process. They refurbish, test, and package their devices in-house. That way, they avoid any confusion for their customers. You know exactly what you’re buying – and who to contact if something goes wrong. It’s a safer, more trustworthy experience.
So, what’s the best choice for you?
Whether you go for a second-hand laptop or a refurbished one depends on your priorities. If you're only looking for the lowest price and don’t mind taking a risk, a second-hand device from a private seller might be the cheapest option.
But if you want to save money without sacrificing reliability, safety, and service, a refurbished laptop is a much smarter bet. When you buy from a trusted refurbisher who handles everything in-house – like Back in Use – you not only get a well-priced laptop, but also transparency, quality control, and warranty. That means you're getting more than just a budget-friendly device – you're getting one you can count on.
