The refurbished laptop market has seen considerable growth due to a variety of factors.
• In recent times, the market for refurbished laptops has experienced significant expansion. The market, which stood at $7.73 billion in 2024, is projected to grow to $8.29 billion in 2025, showing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3%.
This growth during the historical period has been fueled by factors such as the increased cost of new devices, expansion of e-commerce, heightened awareness about environmental sustainability, economic considerations, efficient refurbishment procedures, and increased trust and acceptance of refurbished products.
The refurbished laptop market is expected to maintain its strong growth trajectory in upcoming years.
• The market size for refurbished laptops is forecasted to witness substantial growth in the coming years. It is anticipated to expand to $10.85 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9%.
This growth during the projected period can be credited to the ongoing increase in e-waste, growing needs for eco-friendly alternatives such as refurbished laptops, the implementation of circular economy concepts, the broadening of internet-based platforms and marketplaces, and the introduction of refurbished laptop schemes. Key trends expected during this period involve emphasis on sustainability, surging demand for cost-effective computing, technological progress in refurbishment, the expansion of e-commerce, corporate eco-friendly initiatives, regulatory directives by the government, consumer trust, educational and promotional campaigns, product novelty, and the rise of developing markets.
The rise in e-waste is anticipated to fuel the growth of the refurbished laptop industry in the forecasting timeline. E-waste is the term for discarded electronic equipment and devices, including computers, cell phones, and domestic appliances, which can present hazards to the environment and health if not appropriately handled or recycled. The consumption of refurbished laptops contributes to the reduction of e-waste by extending the life of electronic products and diminishing the amount of discarded electronics. For example, per a report released by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), a Swiss organization committed to delivering training and research to assist global sustainable development objectives, in March 2024, it was noted that the production of global e-waste hit an all-time high of 62 million metric tons in 2022 (Mt), showing an 82% increase from the 2010 levels. Also, it's projected to reach 82 million metric tons by 2030, marking a further rise of 32%. Consequently, the surge in e-waste will bolster the expansion of the refurbished laptop industry.
The refurbished laptop market covered in this report is segmented –
1) By Grade: Grade A, Grade B, Grade C, Grade D
2) By Operating System: Windows Refurbish Laptops, Mac Refurbish Laptops, Other Operating Systems
3) By Screen Size: 11-13 Inches, 14-16 Inches, 17 Inches And Above
4) By Distribution Channel: Direct, Indirect
5) By End User: Individual Consumers, Businesses, Other End Users
Subsegments:
1) By Grade A: Like New, Excellent Condition
2) By Grade B: Good Condition, Minor Cosmetic Wear
3) By Grade C: Fair Condition, Noticeable Wear And Tear
4) By Grade D: Below Average Condition, Significant Wear And Tear
To meet the increasing need for affordable and environmentally friendly computing options, primary organizations involved in the refurbished laptop market are introducing programs centered on refurbished laptops. These initiatives frequently include refurbishment firms or entities that accept used laptops, handle repair and upgrades if needed, and then resell or donate them to people, businesses, or communities. For example, HP Inc., an American IT firm, unveiled its refurbished laptop initiative in October 2023 to simplify access to reasonably priced laptops. The principal goal of this initiative is to ensure affordable and dependable technology access, especially for learners with low to moderate income, and to deliver economical laptops to students, micro and small-scale businesses, and independent contractors. The program's implementation will be conducted by a certified associate, who will market the refurbished HP computers to retail customers and businesses.
Major companies operating in the refurbished laptop market are:
• Walmart Inc.
• Amazon.com Inc.
• Microsoft Corporation
• Dell Technologies Inc.
• Apple Inc.
• Hewlett-Packard Development Company
• Lenovo Group Limited
• Best Buy Co. Inc.
• Staples Inc.
• Office Depot Inc.
• eBay Inc.
• Micro Center Refurbished
• Overstock Refurbished
• Newegg Inc.
• Back Market
• MacMall Refurbished
• ecoATM Gazelle LLC
• Mac of All Trades LLC
• Tech for Less Inc.
• PCMag Shop Refurbished
• Glyde Corporation
• Acer Inc.
North America was the largest region in the refurbished laptop market in 2024. The regions covered in the refurbished laptop market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.