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5 tech gadgets you can buy used, and 2 you should buy new

Discover five of the tech devices worth buying refurbished, and the ones that are better purchased new

Christopher Gower / Unsplash

Buying technology secondhand can be an easy way to save money, but not every gadget is worth the risk. Some refurbished electronics can offer nearly the same performance as a new device for significantly less, especially when you buy from a reputable seller and the product has been properly inspected. Others may seem like bargains until a short warranty, missing parts or an expensive repair turns the savings into a headache.

A Reader’s Digest report highlights several tech products that can make sense when purchased used or refurbished. Smartphones, laptops, tablets and routers can all be worth considering, provided you pay attention to the seller, condition, testing process and warranty. A refurbished device from a manufacturer or authorized seller can offer additional peace of mind because it has typically gone through an inspection process before being resold.

There are also gadgets where buying new may be the safer choice. Televisions, gaming systems and some cameras can come with problems that are harder or more expensive to resolve after purchase. Replacement parts may be difficult to find, warranties may be limited and the difference in price between a used product and a new one may not justify the risk.

That does not mean every used gadget is a bad deal. It means shoppers need to know what they are buying and what protections come with it. Before purchasing refurbished technology, check the device’s condition, battery life, connectivity, charging ability and operating system. For products with moving parts or expensive components, make sure they have been properly tested.

If you are shopping for technology on a budget, knowing which gadgets are worth buying used can help you save without sacrificing too much. Here are five tech categories to consider before you reach for your wallet.

Jonas Leupe / Unsplash

A refurbished smartphone can give you many of the features you want without the price tag of a brand-new model. Reader’s Digest notes that refurbished or certified-used phones can be a good option when you buy from a reputable seller that properly inspects and tests its devices. Some phones are returned because of damaged packaging or repaired after being damaged by a previous owner, so “used” does not necessarily mean the phone is unreliable.

Reader’s Digest suggests looking for sellers with established certification and security........

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