While it may take some extra research to find the exact refurbished monitor you want, the items tend to be worth it for anyone who wants a reliable product at a low price.
I have spent years using various computer monitors, including refurbished and new products. My personal hands-on experience with both has allowed me to see each side and adequately explain why someone may get a brand new product or not.
This article breaks down both the pros and cons of refurbished monitors. In doing so, it analyzes refurbished items as a whole and then discusses why the items may be (or may not be) for every user.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Refurbished monitors are much cheaper than new ones, which makes them a great choice for users on a budget.
- Though some may be skeptical of the products, all refurbished monitors go through a heavy quality assurance process to ensure they work as seamlessly as possible.
- Renewed monitors tend to have a lot of advantages, but they don’t have the same consistency or features as ones that come new out of the box.
Understanding Refurbished Monitors
Many users stay away from refurbished items simply because they are not brand new. However, the devices are almost always more than serviceable. In fact, from a trusted brand or big box seller, they are practically impossible to distinguish from brand new.
Refurbished items, from monitors to laptops to gaming systems, are all items that someone returned to the company (or store) for one reason or another. In that way, they are distinctly different from used items because they were not necessarily owned for a long time.
In fact, many refurbished items were only opened once before being taken back. That’s often because they either weren’t what the customer wanted, or there may have been a misunderstanding with the purchase.
From there, the company took the device, looked at any issues, and then either fixed it or restored it back to its original state. They then typically repackage it, equip it with a strong warranty, and put it back on sale.
Buying a Refurbished Monitor: The Pros
Though most people tend to buy new, that’s far from the only route technological customers can take. There are many great refurbished monitors on the market, and a lot of them will give you the same results and reliability as something right out of the box.
The number one reason anyone gets a refurbished item is the price. Renewed monitors tend to come with a significant discount compared to brand new ones. So much so that it’s more than worth it to pull the trigger based on that over everything else.
Most refurbished monitors are cheaper in one way or another, but in some cases they are much, much more affordable. Don’t be afraid to shop around when looking for a specific monitor, especially if you want something that’s a year or so old.
Prices vary, but it’s not uncommon to see something more than half the original price. Even if you can’t get a discount that large, don’t go refurbished unless you can get a decent chunk off.
Another big reason to get a refurbished monitor is the inherent protection. Despite the skepticism, most modern renewed items undergo a strict vetting process to make sure they are up to speed. All monitors undergo several checks before hitting the market.
On top of that, most trusted brands come with a strong warranty as well. That adds another level to their protection and gives anyone fearful of getting a refurbished item even more peace of mind.
Buying a Refurbished Monitor: The Cons
There are many reasons to purchase a refurbished monitor, but there are some reasons not to as well. The devices, while reliable, only come with true assurances if you get them from a well-respected place. Always avoid smaller or more obscure sellers if possible.
While such outlets might not be a problem, it’s hard to know for sure. That leaves you more vulnerable to purchasing a weak product or getting scammed, especially when buying something like a monitor. You have to do additional research when buying refurbished.
It’s also important to be aware that, most of the time, you aren’t going to get the exact monitor you want. While there are deals every now and then, especially if you’re patient, you’re typically only going to find slightly outdated models.
If you want the latest monitor with all of the newest features, you’re better off just buying new. Even if you can get a discount, it’s typically not worth trading off if you can’t get something you actually want.
There may be some inconsistency with refurbished items as well. That typically only goes if you’re not getting something from a trusted source, but you may not always get all of the new accessories or cutting edge features.
FAQs
This section pertains to some of the biggest questions surrounding refurbished monitors.
Are Refurbished Monitors Reliable?
Yes. Though some people may shy away from getting renewed electronics, the modern vetting process ensures that a refurbished monitor is almost identical to the one you would get when buying directly from a store.
How Long Does a Refurbished Monitor Last?
As refurbished monitors tend to be almost identical to new ones, they should give you the same amount of use. That means the products will stick around for a decade or more if they are taken care of properly.
Where Do Refurbished Monitors Come From?
Most refurbished monitors are products that were returned by the original owner after they had it for a short period of time. They may have also been used for display purposes, or they may have been re-marketed by a business for one reason or another.
Final Words
Refurbished monitors are not something many users buy, but they tend to be some of the best renewed items on the market due to their inherent longevity. If you go with a trusted brand and know what you want, you’ll get a strong electronic device that you can use for years to come.
Have you ever owned or used a refurbished monitor? Did you like it? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below!
