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Refurbished and open-box items can save real money, but the labels mean different things depending on who's selling. Here's how to compare.
New
Unused, sealed, full manufacturer warranty. Best when you want the latest model, the longest warranty, or the item is cheap enough that savings elsewhere are small.
Open-box
Usually a product someone bought and returned, or a display unit. It may be like new or show wear, and accessories may be missing. Stores typically grade condition. Check whether the full manufacturer warranty still applies and what the return policy is.
Manufacturer refurbished
Returned or defective units repaired and tested by the original manufacturer. Apple's Certified Refurbished store, for example, sells products with a one-year warranty, a new battery and outer shell for iPhones, and the same return policy as new. Other brands run similar programs. This is often the best balance of savings and reliability.
Seller or third-party refurbished
Refurbished by a retailer or independent seller. Quality and warranty vary a lot. Programs like Amazon Renewed or Back Market set standards and offer limited guarantees, but read the specific listing's condition grade, warranty length, and return window.
What to check before buying
- Who refurbished it (manufacturer vs. third party)
- Warranty length and who honors it
- Return window
- Condition grade and photos
- Battery health for phones and laptops
- Price vs. a new unit on sale (sometimes the gap is small)
Our take
Manufacturer refurbished is often worth it for phones, laptops, tablets, and cameras. Open-box is great for items easy to inspect, like monitors or appliances, when bought from a store with a solid return policy. Buy new when the discount is small or the warranty matters most. Check timing too: see best times of year to buy.
Want all of this on one page? Our printable savings checklist sums up the 12 core tips. It unlocks after you try a sponsored app, so skip it if you'd rather not. Unlock the checklist (sponsored).