Buying refurbished often saves 20 to 50% compared with new, while doing something good for the planet. But it isn't always the right deal: some products lend themselves well to it, others much less. Here is our 2026 guide to knowing when to buy refurbished, where, and how to avoid the pitfalls.

Refurbished, used, new: what's the difference

Before comparing prices, make sure you understand these statuses:

  • New: never used, full manufacturer warranty (often 2 years in France).
  • Refurbished: a used product tested, cleaned and restored by a professional, sold with a warranty (often 6 to 24 months) and a quality grade.
  • Used (private sale): sold as-is, with no professional warranty or systematic testing. Riskier.

Refurbished sits in the middle ground: cheaper than new, safer than buying used from a private individual.

Picksly tip: a "grade A" or "like new" refurbished item costs a bit more than a "grade C" one, but stays well below the price of new. Choose the grade based on your tolerance for minor cosmetic scratches.

When refurbished is an excellent deal

Products ideal for refurbished

  • Smartphones and tablets: steep discount, high reliability, battery often replaced by good sellers.
  • Professional laptops (ThinkPad, Latitude, MacBook): sturdy, built to last, heavily discounted.
  • Consoles and accessories: very good value for money on previous generations.
  • TVs and monitors: a refurbished high-end model often beats a basic new one.

When to prefer new

  • Products with hygiene concerns or fast wear (some earbuds, batteries subject to heavy wear) if the warranty isn't clear.
  • Latest generations where the price gap with new is small: the discount then doesn't justify the compromise.
  • When you want the full manufacturer warranty and the very latest model.

Where to buy refurbished with confidence

A few pointers to limit the risks:

  • Favour a professional seller offering a written warranty (12 months minimum recommended) and a clear return policy.
  • Check the stated grade (cosmetic) and the battery condition for mobile devices.
  • Compare with the price of new: refurbished is only worthwhile if it offers a real saving. Sometimes, new on promotion ends up cheaper.

How to pay the right price

Refurbished only makes sense if its price is genuinely lower than the equivalent new product at that moment — which isn't always the case. Picksly automatically compares new and refurbished based on your profile and points you to the most relevant option, at the real price.

FAQ

Is refurbished reliable?

Yes, from a professional seller offering a warranty and a clear grade. The product is tested and restored, making it far safer than buying used from a private individual.

What is the best cheap product to buy refurbished?

Previous-generation premium smartphones and professional laptops offer the best discounts for high reliability. That's where refurbished is most advantageous.

Refurbished or new: which should you choose?

Refurbished is ideal when the price gap with new is significant (often on models from one to two years ago). If the difference is small, new and its full warranty become preferable again.

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