The iRestore Elite Helmet + Battery is on sale, from March 15 through March 31, dropping to $1,879 ($419 off). Considering the helmet alone retails for $1,899, this deal scores you a rechargeable battery at no extra cost.

The additional battery makes the treatments far more convenient. Instead of being tethered to a wall outlet, you can move around during sessions. A single charge lasts roughly two weeks of daily 12-minute treatments, so you won’t even need to recharge often.

IRestore Elite Helmet + Battery for $1,879 ($419 off)

IRestore Elite combines LEDs with its proprietary laser diodes that operate in the 655 to 680 nanometer range; the combination is designed to penetrate deeper than standard red light therapy, while the LEDs help distribute the light evenly across the scalp for maximum efficacy. Treatments take just 12 minutes a day, but like most routines, consistency is crucial. Fortunately, the included storage case makes it easy to keep up the habit even when you’re traveling.

WIRED reviewer Julia Forbes spent 16 weeks testing the iRestore Elite on both herself and her husband, who are dealing with different degrees of hair thinning and loss. Within two weeks of consistent use—alongside iRestore’s shampoo, conditioner, supplements, and serum—her husband started noticing baby hairs sprout along his receding hairline and more fullness at the crown. Forbes discovered that the treatments help prevent eczema flare-ups on her scalp.

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You can save money and help save the planet by buying used or refurbished electronics instead of new devices. Since most of the environmental impact of devices comes from the manufacturing phase, buying secondhand gear can reduce your carbon footprint. Do it right, and buying refurbished can feel much like buying new. This guide delves into what you need to know about refurbished terminology, offers tips on what to look for to snag yourself the best deals, and lists some of the best places to buy refurbished gadgets and used electronics.

You may also be interested in How to Buy Ethical and Eco-Friendly Electronics, The Best Used Tech to Buy and Sell, What to Think About Before Buying a Used Smartphone, and How to Responsibly Dispose of Your Electronics.

Updated March 2026: I’ve added some tips for buying, new links to refurbished sellers, and advice on what to do after you buy.

What Does Refurbished Mean?

There is no legal definition of refurbished. Some sellers prefer used, pre-loved, secondhand, reconditioned—the list continues. Refurbishment implies that the seller has tested the device and may have repaired and cleaned it, but the only way to be sure is to read the fine print and understand what the seller means by whatever term is used.

If you’re lucky, you may get an open-box device, which a buyer has opened but never actually used. Sellers are not legally allowed to resell returned devices as new, and it’s common for all returns to end up sold in the same place. At the other end of the scale, you may end up with a device that looks like it has survived the apocalypse and doesn’t work.

Tips for Buying Refurbished

I’ll recommend a few good places to buy refurbished electronics below, but first, let’s explore what you should look for in a seller and what you need to do to protect yourself when you buy.

While buying older electronics is often a great way to save money, there are a few things to keep in mind. It may make more sense to buy a discounted flagship phone from a couple of years ago than a brand-new budget phone, for example, but there are also some potential cons. Always consider software updates and ask:

• How many more years of software updates will the product receive?
• How long will it continue to get security updates?
• What version of the software does it come with?
• How easy is it to update the software?

Aside from working out what the seller means by refurbished, you should read the listing for any potential purchase very carefully and try to answer questions such as these:

• Has it been tested, and does everything work?
• Does it have a new battery or a guarantee about battery health? (This is crucial for old phones and laptops.)
• Has it been wiped if a previous user set it up?
• Is there any cosmetic damage like scratches or cracks? (Look for a transparent grading system.)
• What is included? (Does it come with chargers, cables, manuals, and original packaging?)
• Is there any warranty offered? (The longer the better.)
• If there is a problem, how do returns work? Do you have to pay, and what is the return window?

If you’re uncertain about anything, it’s worth asking before you buy to avoid disappointment.

There are protections for purchases, such as Section 170 of the Fair Credit Billing Act in the US or Section 75 in the UK. But you should use a credit card for purchases to get the best charge-back protection and avoid going through a third-party payment service, such as PayPal. Some banks and credit card companies are better than others, so it’s worth researching their reputations and the protections they offer.

If you can inspect and test devices before you buy, do it. Otherwise, you should closely examine and thoroughly test any device you buy immediately when you receive it. Remember that there is a limited window to report any faults or issues with the condition and return an item. Always keep the box and packaging it arrived in at least until you are satisfied that you won’t need to return it.

You’ve done your initial tests and decided that you are keeping the refurbished device you bought, but there are still a couple of things you might consider doing before you start using it.

Best Places to Buy Refurbished Electronics

Photograph: Simon Hill

You have an enormous choice when buying refurbished electronics, so let’s break down your options.

We have had some good experiences buying refurbished devices from their original manufacturers, which makes sense since they know precisely how to test and repair their own devices. All of these manufacturers certify the refurbished devices they sell, and most offer at least a one-year warranty, but the savings vary; for example, Apple offers up to 15 percent off, while Dell offers up to 50 percent off.

Vivid Seats has been part of some of the highest of highs and lowest of lows of my concert-going experience. Because of Vivid Seats, I was able to get a last-minute ticket to Chance the Rapper’s sold-out Coloring Book show at the Oracle Arena in Oakland in 2017 (before he fell off; IYKYK). Vivid Seats helped me (and my sister) see our idol, Bad Bunny for the third time last year amidst the terror of trying to secure limited tickets to see a future Super Bowl performer and heartthrob.

While many concerts, sports events, and theater ticket resellers are shady—double-posting limited tickets and gouging prices—Vivid Seats has almost a 4 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, keeping up with big dog ticket resellers like StubHub and SeatGeek. If you missed out on the initial release of tickets for your favorite artist’s tour, or just want to look for cheap tickets to a Broadway show while in the Big Apple, Vivid Seats has you covered. We have a Vivid Seats promo code and other deals to help you never miss the moment.

Unlock a Free Ticket: Buy 10 Tickets, Get the 11th Free

If you’re an avid concert-goer, signing up for a Vivid Seats Rewards account is a great way to save a whole lot more on tickets you were already planning to buy and events you were already planning on attending. To begin saving, you’ll need to join the Vivid Seats Rewards program (free sign-up) to start earning towards your next event. Plus, with a rewards account, you’ll get perks like a free birthday reward and surprise seat upgrades.

Then, you’ll begin earning rewards for every purchase, eventually earning a reward credit equal to the average price of your 10 previously purchased tickets (excluding taxes and fees). Once you buy 10 tickets, you’ll get the 11th ticket free via Vivid Seats Rewards.

Verified Members Can Get 10% Off at Vivid Seats

Vivid Seats wants to reward the people who need to unwind and let loose with fun events the most, offering 10% off ticket orders of $25 or more for verified students, military, first responders, medical providers, nurses, and teachers. Just make sure to verify your ID and once confirmed, you’ll be able to start raking in Vivid Seats discount codes to sporting events, concerts, theatre, and more. This 10% off deal is good for up to $30 in total savings, meaning that you can get huge discounts on a more expensive major purchase. (Like that time I spent $1,200 on Bad Bunny tickets in an attempt to help cure my Pandemic depression … theoretically.)

Reveal App-Only Deals and Rewards for Maximum Savings

If you want even more Vivid Seats discount codes and promos, make sure you download the Vivid Seats app. There, you’ll be able to access exclusive mobile discounts and manage your rewards progress, like the “Buy 10, Get 11th Free” promo mentioned above. Plus, you’ll also find a Vivid Seats coupon specifically for mobile users, rewarding you with discounts for downloading a free app. Through the app, you can even sign up for push notifications on price drops on events you are tracking.

Grab Last-Minute Ticket Deals This March

One of the best skills I’ve learned living in New York City and attending Broadway shows, concerts, and arts events is how to scour last-minute deals on sought-after shows. Many times, venues will dramatically slash prices for day-of events to get butts in those seats. I recommend you check Vivid Seats (especially the convenient in-phone app) often, as prices most often fluctuate wildly as the event date approaches, dropping nearer the date of the event. Plus, with the Vivid Seats app, you can get your tickets instantly to your phone, and electronic delivery ensures you receive your tickets quickly, even if you buy them hours before the show. Plus, if you apply a Vivid Seats promo code to your first order, you can stack the savings on your initial last-minute purchase.