Why “cost per year” matters
A new laptop costs more but may last longer; a refurbished one costs much less upfront. Dividing the price by the years you’ll use it shows the real cost of ownership. In most cases we see, a good refurbished business laptop wins on cost per year – especially in 2026 with new prices up.
What to include
- A battery replacement if the refurbished laptop’s battery is weak.
- Extended warranty cost, if you take it.
- Any upgrades (RAM/SSD) you plan.
When new makes more sense
- You need the latest GPU for heavy gaming.
- You’ll keep the laptop 6+ years.
- You need very long battery life out of the box.
Read the full comparison: refurbished vs second-hand vs new.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a refurbished laptop last?
A tested business laptop with an SSD typically gives 3–4 more years of daily use; the battery is the part most likely to need replacing.