Free daily briefing on global business news.

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.