Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET
I remember when people used to scoff at refurbished tech. Used phones or computers were like rolling the dice: you never knew what you were getting.
Well, the times certainly have changed. And in this economy, the prices on refurbished tech are looking more and more tempting. Consumers are challenging the idea that we all need to buy brand new phones and laptops every few years, and in response, the market for refurbished tech has blown up.
Also: Should you buy a refurbished iPad in 2025? I did the math so you don't have to
Having never purchased a refurbished product myself, I was very curious as to how the experience would go with a new (used) laptop. So, I connected with the folks at Back Market and acquired a $750 MacBook Pro M1 from 2021 to test out as my main driver for a few weeks.
I'll say right now: it wasn't a perfectly seamless experience, but buying brand new tech rarely is, either. Here's how it went, and what I've learned from the process.
How Back Market works
MacBook Pro M1 (14-inch) Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET
The first thing you should know is that Back Market offers different tiers of products: Fair, Good, Excellent, or Premium condition, with the prices scaling accordingly. If you're wondering what Fair condition looks like, it will have some visible signs of use, but all products have to meet a minimum standard. You won't get a laptop with a broken display or loose keyboard.
If you're committed to a refurbished laptop, embrace that you're not getting an brand new, pristine device. So what if there's a little bit of wear and tear? It gives it character, and as long as everything under the hood is working, it makes little difference. Besides, most devices have very little imperfections, anyway. The MacBook I received was virtually indistinguishable from a new one.
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